Brittle dynamic fracture of crystalline cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) via molecular dynamics simulation

Brittle fracture dynamics for three low-index crack surfaces, i.e., (110), (111), and (100), in crystalline cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) is studied using molecular dynamics simulation. The results exhibit significant orientation dependence: (110) fracture propagates in a cleavage manner; (111) fracture involves slip in the {11 $(1) over bar $} planes; and crack branching is observed in (001) fracture. Calculated critical energy release rates, which characterize fracture toughness, are compared with available experimental and ab initio calculation data. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.