Researchers created BioPykrete, a material that's 10 times stronger than ordinary ice and can absorb 70 times more energy before breaking. The cellulose network and protein connections slow down crack propagation, preventing it from spreading quickly.
A new study reveals that catastrophic fractures begin with tiny two-dimensional patches that creep slowly before rapidly breaking. The study challenges classical fracture theory, which suggests that cracks must reach a critical size before failing.
Researchers propose a new analytical approach to determine the limiting velocity of an avalanche crack, revealing that it may propagate at supersonic speeds in certain situations. The findings reconcile conflicting interpretations and provide insights into designing structures impacted by snow masses.
Researchers unveil groundbreaking insights into earthquake nucleation, showing that slow, aseismic motion is necessary and triggers seismic rupture. The study's findings also emphasize the critical role of geometric transitions in controlling nucleation dynamics.
A team of scientists discovered that fractures propagate in starts and stops, moving through materials at high speeds. The amplitude and time between jumps depend on the viscosity of the liquid injected into the rock.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered supershear tensile cracks that surpass classical speed limits and transition to near-supersonic velocities. These findings challenge traditional understanding of fracture mechanics, offering new avenues for studying material properties.
A new study at MIT applies the fracture mechanics theory of local symmetry to predict river network evolution. The research found that rivers grow in a direction consistent with symmetry, driven by groundwater pressure and water table height.
Researchers at IMUT have developed a method to analyze nanoscale deformation fields of a crack-tip, mapping pure shear strain at the atomic scale. The study provides new insights into fracture mechanics, paving the way for further research on dynamic crack-tips and various materials.