Application of fractal geometry to damage development and brittle fracture in materials

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1988 · Scr. Metall.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0036-9748(89)90100-2· OSTI ID:6193372

Anderson, T L

The concepts of fractal geometry are applicable to a wide range of problems in materials science. One obvious application is the characterization of irregular surfaces (e.g., fracture surfaces) by means of a fractal dimension. Several papers on this subject have recently appeared. A somewhat less obvious use of the fractal dimension involves characterization of the fragmented (nonuniform) nature of microstructural features such as second phase particles and microcracks. This article utilizes fractal geometry to develop simple models for microcrack growth. Both stable and unstable growth are considered. These results are potentially applicable to a wide range of materials including composites, ceramics and structural steels.

• Research Organization: Mechanical Engineering Dept., Texas A and M Univ., College Station, TX (US)
• OSTI ID: 6193372
• Journal Information: Scr. Metall.; (United States), Journal Name: Scr. Metall.; (United States) Vol. 23:1; ISSN SCRMB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360201 -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Preparation & Fabrication
360203* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Mechanical Properties
360602 -- Other Materials-- Structure & Phase Studies
360603 -- Materials-- Properties
BRITTLENESS
CERAMICS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CRACK PROPAGATION
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
GEOMETRY
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MICROSTRUCTURE