Crack propagation in graphene monolayer under tear loading.

Crack propagation in graphene monolayer under tear loading is investigated via an energy-based analytical model and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The classical mechanics-based model describes steady-state crack propagation velocity as a function of applied stress, lateral dimension and loading geometry, as well as the critical stress and critical size for initiating steady crack propagation. MD simulations reveal that cracks propagate along the zigzag direction but yield different "fracture surface" roughnesses for different loading geometries. MD simulations and the predictions of the analytical model are in excellent agreement. Our findings lead to an improved fundamental understanding of the mode-III crack of monolayer graphene necessary for the design and fabrication of graphene-based devices.