Mesoscopic theory of microcracks

Abstract

The mesoscopic concept is a way to deal with complex materials with an internal structure within continuum mechanics. It consists of extending the domain of the balance equations by mesoscopic variables and of introducing a local distribution function of these variables as a statistical element. In our case microcracks are modelled as penny shaped and completely characterized by their diameter and the unit normal to the crack surface. Two examples of crack dynamics are given as well as a possible definition of a damage parameter. Orientational order parameters (fabric-alignment tensors) are defined and balance like dynamic equations for them are derived.