AbstractWe present results obtained by molecular dynamics simulations on the propagation of fast cracks in triangular 2D lattices. Our aim is to simulate Mode I fracture of brittle isotropic materials. We propose a force law that respects the isotropy of the material. The code yields the correct imposed sound c║, shear c┴ and surface VR wave speeds. Different notch lengths are systematically studied. We observe that initially the cracks are linear and always branch at a particular critical velocity c* ≈0.8VR and that this occurs when the crack tip reaches the position of a front emitted from the initial crack tip and propagating at a speed c = 0.6 8VR.
Evaluation of Crack-tip Cohesive Laws for the Mode I Fracture of the Graphene from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
