Fracture analyses using spring networks with random geometry

Rigid-body-spring networks are used to model brittle fracture in homogeneous, isotropic materials. Discretization is based on Voronoi diagrams with random geometry. Methods are given for ensuring elastic uniformity and maximizing the degree of isotropy with respect to potential crack direction. A method for rendering ordinary beam-spring networks elastically uniform is also given. Model abilities to predict crack patterns are demonstrated through analyses of mixed mode fracture in cement mortar panels and shear failure in reinforced concrete beams. The latter example utilizes an effective method for introducing continuous reinforcement into random geometry beam-spring networks. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.