MECHANICS OF FRACTAL CRACKS IN BRITTLE SOLIDS

In this work we present a model of self-affine fractal-crack propagati on in brittle solids. We have shown that the assumption of a fractal n ature of the crack surface leads to a change in the asymptotic behavio ur of stresses at the crack tip. Theoretical prediction of stress inte nsity coefficient behaviour coincides with experimental observations. The proposed model also applies to the description of crack propagatio n during compression in brittle solids. In this case our model evident ly removes the discrepancy between classical theory, in which the crac ks are modelled by a smooth mathematical cut, and experiments.