Brittle Intergranular Failure in Grain Aggregates - A Computer Simulation by Means of the Graphics Processing Unit

Abstract

Within a model considered, each of bonds between contacting grains is treated as a two-state system and represented by a binary variable. Its two values refer to the two possible states of bond – intact or broken. A Monte Carlo simulation of fracture is carried out on a set of binary variables arranged to a cubic lattice. The transition from one configuration of broken bonds to another is governed by a Griffith-like energy associated with each of configurations. The results demonstrate i) the capability of the…