One, Two, and Three-Dimensional Universal Laws for Fragmentation due to Impact and Explosion

Abstract

Based on the fractal particle size distribution, a fragmentation theory for quasi-brittle materials is herein developed. The results are three simple and powerful universal laws for the multiscale energy dissipation under impact and explosion fragmentation for one, two, and three-dimensional bodies, respectively. The three-dimensional law unifies the most important and well-known fragmentation theories. As an example, it has been applied to the prediction of the devastated area due to asteroid impacts on earth as a function of the energy released in the collision.