Impact dynamics and failure of brittle solid states by means of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations

¹ Fraunhofer Ernst-Mach-Institut für Kurzzeitdynamik - D-79194 Freiburg, Germany
² Abteilung Theoretische Polymerphysik, Universität Freiburg D-79106 Freiburg, Germany

Corresponding author: Martin.Steinhauser@emi.fraunhofer.de

Received: 6 May 2005
Accepted: 31 October 2005

Abstract

We report on high-speed impact nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations (NEMD) of brittle cohesive materials. A two-dimensional mesoscopic network of particles with a failure threshold is used for capturing the main mesostructural features. We find a good agreement between the initiation and propagation of cracks in our model and the experimental findings in impact experiments with different brittle materials. The failure dynamics in the material as a function of impact speed is discussed for standard load experiments and compared with experimental results.