Scale Independent Fracture Mechanics

摘要

Fracture mechanics is considered from the viewpoint of a field theoretical approach based on the physical principle known as gauge invariance. The advantage of this approach is scale independent and universal. All stages of deformation, from the elastic stage to fracturing stage can be treated on the same theoretical foundation. A quantity identified as the deformation charge is found to play a significant role in transition from plastic deformation to fracture. Theoretical details along with supporting experimental results are discussed.