Atomistic simulations of fracture in silica glass through hypervelocity impact

Fracture of silica glass through hypervelocity impact was studied using large-scale classical molecular-dynamics simulations. The fracture is found to proceed through the coalescence of nanopores created upon straining of the glass by the pressure wave originating in the impact. Cratering of the glass substrate according to a two-phase compression and expansion mechanism accompanies the fracture