Abstract The aim of this study is to experimentally seek a unification of brittle fracture by an atomic-level criterion. In situ fracture experiments are carried out in transmission electron microscope by using notched nano-cantilever specimens of single-crystal silicon. On the basis of atomic fracture mechanics, the critical atomic energy release rate G AFM C at fracture is experimentally determined by combining finite element method and molecular statics calculations. It is found that G AFM C , of which the magnitude remains at a certain level regardless of the notch size, is an effective parameter to describe brittle fracture of a blunt notch. The comparison of the present G AFM C with those of macro-/nano-cracks reveals a good consistency, and this experimentally demonstrates a possible unification of brittle fracture of both a blunt notch and an ideal crack.

中文翻译：

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脆性断裂原子级统一判据的试验研究

摘要 本研究的目的是通过原子级标准实验性地寻求脆性断裂的统一。使用单晶硅的缺口纳米悬臂试样在透射电子显微镜下进行原位断裂实验。在原子断裂力学的基础上，结合有限元方法和分子静力学计算，实验确定了断裂处的临界原子能释放率G AFM C 。发现G AFM C 无论缺口大小如何，其幅度都保持在一定水平，是描述钝缺口脆性断裂的有效参数。目前的 G AFM C 与宏观/纳米裂纹的比较显示出良好的一致性，