Based on the fractal particle size distribution, a fragmentation theory for quasi-brittle materials is herein developed. The results are three simple and powerful universal laws for the multiscale energy dissipation under impact and explosion fragmentation for one, two, and three-dimensional bodies, respectively. The three-dimensional law unifies the most important and well-known fragmentation theories. As an example, it has been applied to the prediction of the devastated area due to asteroid impacts on earth as a function of the energy released in the collision.

Issue Section:
Brief Notes
Keywords:
brittleness, impact (mechanical), explosions, fractals, particle size
Topics:
Energy dissipation, Explosions, Fractals, Collisions (Physics), Particle size, Brittleness
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Copyright © 2002
 by ASME
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