A cohesive zone model with rate-sensitivity for fast crack propagation

We study mode-I dynamic crack propagation using the cohesive-zone methodology. Subscale processes are represented via a form of rate-sensitivity, which translates to the macroscopic level the effects of micro-cracking. Namely, rate-sensitivity is included in the model in a way that it is directly related to the speed of the crack front that is typically measured during experiments. A representative numerical example is discussed that demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.