The research develops solutions to understand the influence of three dimensional effects during dynamic fracture of materials and verifies the results. The project develops a novel mathematical approach for three dimensional elastodynamic crack problems and carries out computational work in which numerical solutions will be sought to understand the fracture process. The analytical and numerical phases of the project are closely related and will be carried out in parallel. A verified three dimensional model is not currently available to understand the dynamic fracture process of solids. The lack of such a development inhibits a complete fundamental understanding of the various phenomenological features of dynamic fracturing, that are observed in experimental research and in engineering practice. A successful completion of this research would result in major advances in the development of theory governing the dynamics of crack propagation, and would provide realistic descriptions of the fracture process.
