Mesoscopic theory of microcracks

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Authors

  • C. Papenfuss Institut für Mechanik, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
  • P. Ván Department of Chemical Physics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
  • W. Muschik Institut für Theoretische Physik, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

Abstract

The mesoscopic concept is a way to deal with complex materials with an internal structure within continuum mechanics. It consists of extending the domain of the balance equations by mesoscopic variables and of introducing a local distribution function of these variables as a statistical element. In our case microcracks are modelled as penny-shaped and are completely characterized by their diameter and the unit normal to the crack surface. Two examples of crack dynamics are given as well as a possible definition of a damage parameter. Orientational order parameters (fabric-alignment tensors) are defined and balance-like dynamic equations for them are derived.