Sustainable Materials: The Mechanism of Fracture in Soft Materials Revealed
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A new theory that finally deciphers the physical mechanisms of fracture in soft materials. The discovery is revolutionary: it will soon lead to new defect-free, stronger, and more durable materials, which are environmentally friendly.
The article Elastic Instability Behind Brittle Fracture was recently published in the prestigious Physical Review Letters.
We revealed that the fracture propagates from the free surface of the material starting from an elastic instability that breaks the symmetry of the object. Then the break extends drastically with an intricate network of cracks that spread like a turbulence phenomenon similar to what we observe in fluids, such as during the formation of vortices.
Pasquale Ciarletta, Professor of Mathematical Physics at MOX laboratory, Department of Mathematics
This discovery stimulates important applications for various technological sectors. For example, in the production of micro and nano devices, where materials need to be extremely resistant and defect-free. Understanding how cracks form can lead to the design of more robust and durable materials.
In the consumer electronics field, it could lead to the creation of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops with screens that better withstand shocks and drops, thus reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements.
In the medical sector, implantable devices such as pacemakers and prostheses could benefit from safer and longer-lasting materials, with a critical improvement for patient health.
In the aerospace industry, understanding and preventing material fracture can lead to more robust and reliable structures, reducing the risks associated with space and air travel.
The results of this research not only pave the way for future studies aimed at developing materials with unprecedented mechanical properties but also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing the need to frequently replace products and decreasing waste. This can contribute to more sustainable production and a more efficient use of natural resources.
Davide Riccobelli, researcher at the Department of Mathematics
The study was conducted by an international team of researchers, led at the Politecnico di Milano by Davide Riccobelli and Pasquale Ciarletta, with Sorbonne University, the École Polytechnique, and ESPCI in Paris, demonstrating that international collaborations continue to play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of materials science forward.