Multiscale Modeling and Simulation of Crack Propagation

Summary:

We study brittle crack dynamics using the framework of the heterogeneous multiscale method (HMM). Both the atomistic and the continuum models are formulated in the form of conservation laws. Whenever necessary the macroscale fluxes are computed using the microscopic model, which is in turn constrained by the local macro-state of the system through boundary conditions. Defect tracking and atomistic-based constitutive modeling strategies are developed.