Abstract
This paper discusses the crack propagation and coalescence behavior of distributed cracks using a numerical simulation. The cracks are initially distributed in a rectangle region. The directions and locations of the cracks are chosen at random, but the length is identical. The crack propagation from the initial distribution is analyzed under a uniaxial tension load using the body force method.
The result indicated that the equivalent elastic moduli can be predicted analytically. The strength degradation behavior depends not only on the crack density but also on the number of cracks. The fracture energy analysis reveals that the main toughening mechanism is the ligamentary bridging in a cracked material.