Peridynamic simulations of brittle structures with thermal residual deformation: strengthening and structural reactivity of glasses under impacts

In glass research, the effect and influence of pre-deformation by thermal or chemical treatment is of great importance when configuring different mechanical properties or scratch resistance on the surface of glasses. In particular, such pre-deformation affects dynamic fracture or damage evolution when glass structures are under impact or collision conditions. Peridynamics provides a seamless approach for the simulation of dynamic damage evolution of the system under aggressive environments. Revising the pair interaction of each material point, the effect of pre-deformation is implemented, and the corresponding damage evolution can be simulated conveniently. Our approach is composed of two steps: first, a static solution is found via energy minimization with thermal boundary conditions in the peridynamic platform. Second, comparing the initial and the pre-deformed structures from the energy minimization, the effect of residual deformation, strengthening and reactive behaviour of brittle structures are seamlessly simulated. The developed methods are applied to the Prince Rupert’s drop and Bologna vial, which are classic examples of strengthened glasses. This study reports the first complete and successful simulation of dynamic behaviour of strengthened glasses, and a significant contribution in simulating residual stress behaviour in any material.