Figure 3

Model setup used for both the Rudnicki-Rice instability analysis and the free volume modeling.

(a) The double-edge notched sample for our numerical simulations. The mode mixity is controlled by varying the ratio of the applied tractions, and , on the top boundary. (b) Finite element mesh used in both elastic stress analysis and free-volume-based shear band simulations. Since the free volume model shows mesh size dependence, the mesh density is chosen to be high throughout the highly stressed regime and also the mesh design minimizes its directional alignment. (c) Enlarged view near the notch root.