Crack propagation in a graphite sheet is investigated with million atom molecular-dynamics simulations based on Brenner's reactive empirical bond-order potential. For certain crystalline orientations, multiple crack branches with nearly equal spacing sprout as the crack tip reaches a critical speed of 0.6VR, where VR is the Rayleigh wave speed. This results in a fracture surface with secondary branches and overhangs. Within the same branch the crack-front profile is characterized by a roughness exponent, α0ex0ex=0ex0ex0.41±0.05. However, for interbranch fracture surface profiles the return probability yields α0ex0ex=0ex0ex0.71±0.10. Fracture toughness is estimated from Griffith analysis and local-stress distributions.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Omeltchenko et al. (1997) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: