Instability dynamics of fracture: A computer simulation investigation

Implementing molecular dynamics on the IBM SP1 and PVS parallel computers, we have studied the fracture of two-dimensional notched solids under tension using 106 atom systems. Many recent laboratory findings occur in our simulation experiments, one of the most intriguing being the dynamic instability of the crack tip as it approaches a fraction of the sound speed. A detailed comparison between laboratory and computer experiments is presented, and microscopic processes are identified. In particular, an explanation for the limiting velocity of the crack being significantly less than the theoretical limit is provided. © 1994 The American Physical Society.