Ordo ab Chao: Scaling in Fracture of Complex Materials

Understanding and controlling failure in architected and complex materials is a fundamental challenge in materials science. Traditional fracture mechanics, based on continuum models, fails to describe failure in materials with discrete, heterogeneous, and topologically intricate structures. This project proposes a novel framework for discontinuous fracture mechanics, incorporating stochastic processes and scaling laws to predict fracture evolution. By combining theoretical modeling, peridynamic simulations, and high-precision experiments, the project will establish governing parameters for fracture resistance. A state-of-the-art picosecond laser cutter will enable high-resolution sample fabrication, ensuring precise validation. This research will provide a predictive framework for failure in complex materials, enabling the design of failure-controlled structures with applications in aerospace, biomedical, and structural engineering.