Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Sendova, Mariana
Area of Concentration
Physics
Abstract
The robust geometries of nano-to-micro scale, self-replicating cracks present an aesthetic similarity to trajectories of a charged particle placed in electromagnetic fields. Self replicating cracks are the product of simultaneous mixed mode stress and delamination on the fracture, similar to the simultaneous positive feedback between electric and magnetic fields on a moving charge. The electric and magnetic fields modeled the tensile and shear stresses by means of the Lorentz force equation. The charge trajectory modeled the crack front, electric fields represented Mode I tensile stress, and magnetic fields represented Mode III shear stresses. The electromagnetic analogy relied on the geometric similarity between sample cracks and model trajectories and intensity decay rates, modeled by the Poynting vector.
Recommended Citation
Cockram, Emma, "Simulating the Self-Replicating Fracture Mechanism with Electromagnetic Fields" (2017). Theses & ETDs. 5323.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5323