Title:
Statistical Physics for Quasi-Brittle Fracture
Author(s):
Attias
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F23_Attias.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/29/2023
Abstract:
This abstract presents a hybrid approach for quasi-brittle fracture analysis, combining finite elements and statistical physics principles. We characterise the fracture state at the element level using a binary occupation number akin to the Eigenerosion method. The dynamics of this spin-like system is formulated in an ensemble way by minimising the associated semi-grand potential. The two original features are a statistical counterpart of Griffith's law (evaluating fracture propagation in-situ) and the emergence of a ground-state energy (GSE) governing the fracture process. We validate the model on two concrete tests. First, we reproduce the mode II failure of a double-notched beam in the 4-point shear test. Second, we capture the maximum loads of a centrally notched beam subjected to a 4-point bending for various initial notch lengths. The postpeak softening is simulated through adaptive re-evaluation of the GSE. Finally Type II size-effect is simulated through re-scaling of the GSE.