Application of the cell automata method to the brittle material thermal fatigue fracture simulation

Abstract: An approach to mathematical modeling of cracks appearance and growth in brittle structural materials, used in conditions of thermal load is proposed. For example, technical ceramics and refractory materials. The proposed algorithm is based on a combination of finite element and cell automata methods. An element (automat) inner structure influence on the result of material destruction simulation is considered. The fracture pattern predicted by this method generally coincides with actual damage of the model object (RHdegasser snorkel) under operating conditions.