Cohesive zone modeling of fracture in irregular lattices

This paper describes a cohesive zone modeling of fracture in three-dimensional irregular lattices. Lattice geometry is based on a Voronoi discretization of the material domain. In addition to being an effective means for discretization, the Voronoi diagram provides scaling rules for the elemental stiffness relations and fracture criteria. The lattice model provides an elastically uniform representation of the material. The cohesive zone representation of fracture is implemented using a crack band approach and is objective with respect to the irregular geometry of the lattice. Model performance is demonstrated through simulated fracture testing of a notched concrete beam.