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Molecular dynamics simulations of fracture in amorphous silica

Book ·
OSTI ID:580890
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, LA (United States)

Fracture in amorphous silica is studied using million-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The dynamics of crack propagation, internal stress fields, and the morphology of fracture surfaces are examined as a function of temperature and strain rate. At 300 K and 600 K the authors observe brittle fracture: internal stress increases to a critical value (typically 2--3 GPa) and then turns over when the crack reaches a terminal speed on the order of half the Rayleigh wave speed. At 900 K crack propagation slows down dramatically due to plastic deformation and the material becomes ductile.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); National Science Foundation, Washington, DC (United States); Department of the Air Force, Washington, DC (United States); Department of the Army, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG05-92ER45477
OSTI ID:
580890
Report Number(s):
CONF-961202--; ISBN 1-55899-359-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English