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Science 12 April 1991:
Vol. 252. no. 5003, pp. 226 - 234
DOI: 10.1126/science.252.5003.226
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Articles

Models for Material Failure and Deformation

PAUL MEAKIN 1

1 Central Research and Development, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE 19880

Simple computer models have been used to investigate a variety of pattern formation processes associated with material failure and deformation. These models reproduce surprisingly well the characteristic morphologies observed in a wide range of real systems. They provide a sound basis for the development of more realistic models that can be used to develop a better understanding of the mechanical properties of real materials. The present algorithms are adequate for some purposes, but substantial improvements are needed if simulation results are to make a major contribution to our theoretical understanding of the asymptotic fractal scaling and universality properties of patterns generated by failure and deformation phenomena.

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)