Dynamic fragmentation of a brittle plate under biaxial loading: strength or toughness controlled?

The fragmentation of a brittle plate subjected to dynamic biaxial loading is investigated via numerical simulations. The aim is to extend our understanding of the dynamic processes affecting fragment size distributions. A scalable computational framework based on a hybrid cohesive zone model description of fracture and a discontinuous Galerkin formulation is employed. This enables large-scale simulations and, thus, the consideration of rich distributions of defects, as well as an accurate account of the role of stress waves. We study the dependence of the fragmentation response on defect distribution, material properties, and strain rate. A scaling law describing the dependence of fragment size on the parameters is proposed. It is found that fragmentation exhibits two distinct regimes depending on the loading rate and material defect distribution: one controlled by material strength and the other one by material toughness. At low strain rates, fragmentation is controlled by defects, whereas at high strain rates energy balance arguments dominate the fragmentation response.