Simulating dynamic fragmentation processes with particles and elements

The dynamic fragmentation of brittle materials has been extensively studied via experiment, analytic theory, and numerical modeling. While analytic theories capture specific aspects of the fragmentation process observed experimentally, numerical models can produce a wide range of results dependent upon their makeup. This study examines dynamic fragmentation using particle and clustered particle (continuum) simulation approaches. The fragmentation of 1D string, 3D bar, and 3D plate geometries are examined along with the effects of irreversible damage and initial temperature (defects). The results highlight three distinct physical processes that can play an important role in a dynamic fragmentation event: crack nucleation, free surface sublimation (phase changes), and crack branching. Each process leaves a signature with regard to the resulting fragment size distribution and can be affected by the numerical discretization of the system. The findings of this work are intended to provide general guidance with regard to modeling dynamic fragmentation.