Numerical study of oscillatory crack propagation through a two-dimensional crystal

We study fracture propagation through a two-dimensional crystal induced by thermal stress by using numerical simulations of a deterministic spring model. Controlling the applied thermal stress, we find several remarkable phases of crack patterns including straight, oscillatory, and branching morphology. We also determine the wavelength of the oscillating cracks at the transition points in accord with experiments by Yuse and Sano [Nature (London) 362, 329 (1993)].