BRITTLE TO QUASI-BRITTLE TRANSITION

The present study focuses on the kinetic and non-deterministic aspects of the brittle to quasi-brittle transition. A solid is approximated b y a lattice formed by the interacting 'continuum particles' and the ev olution of damage is estimated using particle dynamics. The onset of t ransition is measured by the rate of the change of correlation length. The proposed method is illustrated on the examples of creep rupture, strain localization and dynamic expansion of a circular void in a 'bri ttle' plate.