1992/08/01 by Mark Kachanov · 876 citations
Engineering · #Composite material #Computer science #Context (archaeology) #Elastic modulus #Fatigue and fracture mechanics #Fracture (geology) #Geology #Materials science #Moduli #Physics #Range (aeronautics) #Rock Mechanics and Modeling #Statistical physics #Stiffness #Ultrasonics and Acoustic Wave Propagation
paper · doi:10.1115/1.3119761
published in Applied Mechanics Reviews 45(8), 304-335 (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
openalex publication_date 1992/08/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
The problem of effective moduli of cracked solids is critically reviewed. Various approaches to the problem are discussed; they are further assessed by comparing their predictions to results for sample deterministic arrays. These computer experiments indicate that the approximation of non-interacting cracks has a wider than expected range of applicability. Some of the deficiencies of various approximate schemes seem to be related to inadequacy of the conventionally used crack density parameter (insensitive to mutual positions of cracks). An alternative parameter that has this sensitivity, is suggested. Finally, the problem of effective moduli is discussed in the context of “damage mechanics”. It is argued that, contrary to the spirit of many damage models, there is no direct quantitative correlation between progression of a microcracking solid towards fracture and deterioration of its stiffness; thus, the effective moduli may not always serve as a reliable indicator of damage.