Extreme high-rate loading conditions in structural materials trigger a complex process of frag- mentation involving probabilistic, energetic and mechanical aspects. In this work we discuss a one-dimensional model based on [1] that captures the physics of dynamic fracture and fragmenta-…
Extreme high-rate loading conditions in structural materials trigger a complex process of frag- mentation involving probabilistic, energetic and mechanical aspects. In this work we discuss a one-dimensional model based on [1] that captures the physics of dynamic fracture and fragmenta- tion in concrete at strain rates from 103 to 105 /s, with particular interest in the higher strain rate values. In particular, the model considers a one-dimensional bar under a uniform tensile initial strain rate, with a stochastically varying strength. Initial results for the relationship between av- erage fragment size and strain rate show good agreement with shock tube experiments on concrete panels. However, the predicted distribution of fragment size exhibits a smaller variance than that observed in the experiments. Future work will evaluate this difference in the results, which could be the result of the one-dimensionality of the model, heterogeneity of strain rate in the shock tube tests, experimental measurement errors, or a combination of all of these. Further investigations to extend the present model to other brittle materials like glass and concrete are also currently under development.