Simulation of contact-induced fracture (Q1961176)

The standard boundary element method is applied to the analysis of crack growth during the indentation of brittle materials considered either as monolithic ceramics or as thin ceramic coatings. The efficiency of the method is based on a simple remeshing required during the crack growth. The author considers axisymmetric fracture problems. The energy release rate is employed as crack propagation criterion and is evaluated through the calculation of work done by external forces as the crack propagates by a small amount. The preferred direction of propagation is determined by allowing the crack to proceed in several test directions. The method accurately predicts the trajectory and length of cone cracks in brittle monoliths and bi-layer composites, as is documented by numerous examples at the end of the paper. Simulation permits study of early stages of the crack growth, which are difficult to observe experimentally.