Crack pattern simulation based on 3D surface cellular automaton

Describes a method for modeling the propagation of cracks on any 3D surface. Taking a previous cellular automata model of the authors (1999) as the basis, this method allows just about any type of cracks on any type of triangulated 3D object. Our model´s main advantage is that it proposes a semi-physical solution, making it at the same time user-controllable and easily extendable. After summarizing works in the literature, we make a brief and simple description of what cracks are physically, and how they are generated. Based on this idea, we detail our model of crack propagation. We first introduce the general development of cracks. We then propose an original model of spectrum stress. This is followed by a description of the mutual interaction between cracks and stresses. Finally, a set of graphical examples, together with their respective parameters, concludes this paper