A groundbreaking theory has been developed that sheds light on the physical mechanisms behind fracture in soft materials. This discovery could potentially lead to the creation of new materials that are more resistant, durable, and environmentally friendly. The theory was published in the article “Elastic instability behind brittle fracture” by Physical Review Letters.
According to Pasquale Ciarletta from the MOX Laboratory, Department of Mathematics at Politecnico di Milano, fracture initiates from the free surface of the material, starting with an elastic instability that breaks the object’s symmetry. This rupture then rapidly expands, forming an intricate network of cracks similar to turbulence phenomena observed in fluids, such as vortex formation.
This discovery holds significant implications for various technological sectors. For instance, in the production of micro and nano devices, where materials need to be extremely resistant and defect-free, understanding how cracks form can lead to the development of more robust and durable materials.
In the consumer electronics field, this could result in the creation of devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops with screens that are more resistant to shocks and drops, reducing the need for repairs and replacements. In the medical sector, implantable devices such as pacemakers and prostheses could benefit from safer and longer-lasting materials, significantly improving patient health. In the aerospace industry, understanding and preventing material fractures can lead to more robust and reliable structures, reducing the risks associated with space and air travel.
Davide Riccobelli from the Department of Mathematics at Politecnico di Milano concludes that this research not only opens up opportunities for future studies aimed at developing materials with unprecedented mechanical properties but also has a positive environmental impact by reducing the need for frequent product replacements and decreasing waste, contributing to more sustainable production and efficient use of natural resources.
The study was conducted by an international team of researchers, led by Riccobelli and Ciarletta from Politecnico di Milano, in collaboration with Sorbonne Université, École Polytechnique, and ESPCI in Paris, demonstrating the importance of international collaborations in advancing materials science.
More information about the study can be found in the article “Elastic Instability behind Brittle Fracture” published in Physical Review Letters, with the DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.248202. The study is also available on arXiv with the DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2311.17372. The research was provided by the Polytechnic University of Milan.
