Numerical crack path prediction under mixed-mode loading in 1D quasicrystals

Quasicrystals are being implemented in industry since this new class of materials appears to have some peculiar properties. However, the fracture behavior of quasicrystals is not yet clear, which could be a hindrance to its wide usage. This work adopts the generalized linear elastic framework of fracture theory in quasicrystals and develops numerical tools in a finite element environment to compute the fracture quantities. Crack growth is simulated in diverse specimens undergoing an intrinsic mixed-mode loading and the influence of the phonon-phason coupling effect on crack paths is investigated.