Brittle Intergranular Failure in Grain Aggregates - A Computer Simulation by Means of the Graphics Processing Unit

Within a model considered, each of bonds between contacting grains is treated as a two-state system and represented by a binary variable. Its two values refer to the two possible states of bond – intact or broken. A Monte Carlo simulation of fracture is carried out on a set of binary variables arranged to a cubic lattice. The transition from one configuration of broken bonds to another is governed by a Griffith-like energy associated with each of configurations. The results demonstrate i) the capability of the model to provide a useful information (e.g. the increase in roughness of fracture surface with increasing temperature, that is the transition from “brittle” to “plastic” failure), and ii) the advantage of simulation by using the graphics processing unit (saving of a computational time).