The Cellular Automata Theory in Fracture Mechanisms Predictions

Abstract

In the presentation the cellular automata theory is applied to model the evolution of cleavage and ductile fracture mechanisms in front of the crack in three-point-bent specimens containing crack, made of Hardox-400 steel. The experimental and numerical results were used to define: dead elements, weakened elements and healthy elements. One element in the cellular automata model represents one grain. In some of elements large inclusions/interstitials are present. They are randomly distributed; however, to some degree the distribution of these inclusions depend on the strain level. Each element of the cellular automata can change the actual state due to the primary stress distribution, orientation of the cleavage planes {100} and the neighborhood of the fractured grain. The computer program allows for reproduction of the fractured surface as well as to simulate fracture mechanisms in various geometrical and temperature conditions.