A macroscopic-level hybrid lattice particle modeling of mode-I crack propagation in inelastic materials with varying ductility

This paper presents a numerical method, known as hybrid lattice particle modeling (HLPM), for the study of mode-I crack formation and propagation in two-dimensional geometry subject to a fixed-grip condition. The HLPM combines the strength of two numerical techniques, particle model (PM) and lattice model (LM), for the purpose of solving dynamic fragmentation of solids within a various Poisson’s ratio range. A Lennard-Jones-type potential is employed to describe the nonlinear dynamic interaction of each macroscopic-size particle with its nearest-neighbors. Crack initiation and propagation is investigated for materials with different Young’s modulus, tensile strength and varying ductility. It is demonstrated that crack patterns and propagation closely match the anticipated physical behavior of inelastic materials. Finally, the HLPM is applied to the investigation of a functionally designed composite material of an elastic–brittle infrastructure material coated with a ductile layer for the protection of fracture propagation. The ultimate application is aimed at the retrofitting of failing infrastructure.