Does the continuum theory of dynamic fracture work?

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the applicability of the continuum theory of dynamic fracture by comparing theoretical predictions with lattice simulations and experimental data, finding strong agreement in simulations but discrepancies in experiments.

Contribution

It provides a critical assessment of the continuum theory's validity in dynamic fracture through simulation and experimental analysis.

Findings

Lattice simulations agree well with the continuum theory predictions.

Experimental data from Sharon and Fineberg do not match theoretical expectations.

The study highlights limitations of the continuum approach in real-world scenarios.

Abstract

We investigate the validity of the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics approach to dynamic fracture. We first test the predictions in a lattice simulation, using a formula of Eshelby for the time-dependent Stress Intensity Factor. Excellent agreement with the theory is found. We then use the same method to analyze the experiment of Sharon and Fineberg. The data here is not consistent with the theoretical expectation.