Abstract
We present a continuum theory which describes the fast growth of a crack by surface diffusion. This mechanism overcomes the usual cusp singularity by a self-consistent selection of the crack tip radius. It predicts the saturation of the steady state crack velocity appreciably below the Rayleigh speed and tip blunting. Furthermore, it includes the possibility of a tip splitting instability for high applied tensions.
- Received 18 January 2002
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.67.016112
©2003 American Physical Society