Brittle to Quasi-Brittle transition

The present study focuses on the kinetic and non-deterministic aspects of the brittle to quasi-brittle transition. A solid is approximated by a lattice formed by the interacting 'continuum particles' and the evolution of damage is estimated using particle dynamics. The onset of transition is measured by the rate of the change of correlation length. The proposed method is illustrated on the examples of creep rupture, strain localization and dynamic expansion of a circular void in a 'brittle' plate.