Modelling fracture formation in bi-layered materials , with applications to tree bark and drying mud

In this paper we present a model of fracture formation on surfaces of bi-layered materials. The model allows synthesis of realistic patterns occurring in nature as a result of cracking induced by growth or shrinkage of one layer with respect to another. Two different discretizations of the problem are discussed. First we revisit an existing mass-spring approach, then we introduce an approach based on a finite element method. We apply the FEM model to synthesize crack patterns occurring in tree bark and drying mud, and present results.