We have developed a simulation technique that uses non-linear finite element analysis and elastic fracture mechanics to compute physically plausible motion for three-dimensional, solid objects as they break, crack, or tear. When these objects deform beyond their mechanical limits, the system automatically determines where fractures should begin and in what directions they should propagate. The system allows fractures to propagate in arbitrary directions by dynamically restructuring the elements of a tetrahedral mesh. Because cracks are not limited to the original element boundaries, the objects can form irregularly shaped shards and edges as they shatter. The result is realistic fracture patterns such as the ones shown in our examples. This paper presents an overview of the fracture algorithm, the details are presented in our ACM SIGGRAPH 1999 and 2002 papers.

翻译：我们开发了一种模拟技术，该技术利用非线性有限元分析和弹性断裂力学，计算三维实体物体在断裂、开裂或撕裂时物理上合理的运动。当这些物体变形超过其力学极限时，系统会自动确定断裂开始的位置及其传播方向。通过动态重构四面体网格的单元，该系统允许断裂沿任意方向传播。由于裂纹不局限于原始单元边界，物体在碎裂时可形成形状不规则的碎片和边缘。结果生成如示例所示的逼真断裂模式。本文概述了断裂算法，详细内容参见我们在ACM SIGGRAPH 1999和2002年发表的论文。