Simulation of indentation fracture in crystalline materials using mesoscale self-assembly.

A new physical model based on mesoscale self-assembly is developed to simulate indentation fracture in crystalline materials. Millimeter-scale hexagonal objects exhibiting atom-like potential functions were designed and allowed to self-assemble into two-dimensional (2D) aggregates at the interface between water and perfluorodecalin. Indentation experiments were performed on these aggregates, and the stresses and strains involved in these processes were evaluated.