Numerical Simulation on Fracture Formation on Surfaces of Bi-layered Spherical Solid

Fracture formation on surfaces of bi-layered spherical solid is studied numerically. This work is focused on patterns and sizes of fractures and the principle of fracture saturation. We consider a spherical bi-layered solid as an example of fracture formation pattern due to expansion of one material layer with respect to another. As a result of this expansion, it stretches until it reaches its limit of deformation and cracks. A novel numerical code, 3D Realistic Failure Process Analysis system (abbreviated as RFPA3D) is engaged to obtain numerical solutions. The different patterns are obtained by varying the thickness of the material layer. The simulating investigation shows that the stresses exceed the outer layer material´s threshold stress, which leads to fracture formation. As this process continues, a pattern of fractures develops. The corollary is that pattern formation and fracture saturation may be understood, or predicted, at some level without a complete understanding of the physical details.