Damage evolution during microcracking of brittle solids

Microcracking due to thermal expansion and elastic anisotropy is examined v ia computer simulations with a microstructural-based finite element model. Random polycrystalline microstructures are generated via Monte Carlo Potts- model simulations. Microcrack formation and propagation due to thermal expa nsion anisotropy is investigated in these microstructures using a Griffith- type failure criterion in a microstructural-based finite element model call ed OOF. Effects of the grain size distribution on the accumulation of micro crack damage, as well as on the threshold for microcrack initiation, are an alysed. Damage evolution is rationalised by statistical considerations, i.e . damage accumulation is correlated with the statistical distributions of m icrostructural parameters. (C) 2001 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.