NUMERICAL-SIMULATION OF CHAOTIC AND SELF-ORGANIZING DAMAGE IN BRITTLEDISORDERED MATERIALS

The results of a numerical investigation on the fracture properties of heterogeneous materials are presented. Numerical simulations of tensi le, compressive and splitting tests have been performed by means of th e Delft lattice model, and fractal dimensions have been measured on th e lattice damage patterns. The ability of the model to reproduce stati stical interactions and self-organization in the propagation of the cr acks is discussed. In particular, the global fractal dimension of the microcracks network increases with a progressively decreasing rare dur ing damage propagation in the lattice. Useful indications are provided by the discrete model that can be inserted in a continuum formulation . An optimal choice of the percentages of weak and strong microstructu ral elements, together with their particle distribution, may lead to i mproved mechanical performances.