Numerical Simulation of Crack Propagation in YAG Transparent Ceramic Under Fragment Impact Based on Peridynamics Method

To overcome the limitations of classical continuum mechanics in modeling brittle fracture under impact loading, a bond-based peridynamic framework was adopted to accurately predict crack propagation in transparent ceramics. A numerical model simulating tungsten carbide fragments’ impacts on YAG transparent ceramic was developed and validated through edge-on impact experiments. The model elucidated the dynamic crack-evolution mechanisms during penetration, and quantitatively assessed the roles of impact velocity, energy-release rate, and fragment shape in governing crack propagation. Results reveal a three-stage failure sequence: (i) comminuted-zone expansion, (ii) crack propagation, and (iii) fragment ejection. As impact velocity rose, the damage rate increased and then plateaued; the propagation angle of primary cracks remained essentially constant at higher velocities. Secondary-crack clusters migrated toward the impact axis with increasing velocity and vanished at sufficiently high speeds. Raising the ceramic’s energy-release rate markedly suppressed comminuted-zone formation yet exerted a negligible influence on the final fracture pattern. Compared with conical projectile, spherical and cylindrical projectiles produced distinctly different crack networks while inflicting less overall damage. Once the ceramic layer exceeded a critical thickness, the PVB interlayer in YAG/PVB/glass composite targets effectively arrested crack propagation. The findings provide a robust tool for quantitatively analyzing crack propagation, accurately predicting impact damage, laying the groundwork for lightweight, high-strength, and optically integrated transparent composite structures.