title: Failure criterion for materials with spatially correlated mechanical properties.
abstract: The role of spatially correlated mechanical elements in the failure behavior of heterogeneous materials represented by fiber bundle models (FBMs) was evaluated systematically for different load redistribution rules. Increasing the range of spatial correlation for FBMs with local load sharing is marked by a transition from ductilelike failure characteristics into brittlelike failure. The study identified a global failure criterion based on macroscopic properties (external load and cumulative damage) that is independent of spatial correlation or load redistribution rules. This general metric could be applied to assess the mechanical stability of complex and heterogeneous systems and thus provide an important component for early warning of a class of geophysical ruptures.
authors: 3G, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Faillettaz
authors: STEP, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Or