Breaking of a rod induced by wave propagation.

Abstract: The aim of this project is to visualize multiple failure of an inelastic rod, caused by wave propagating through the rod, as the result can be applied to a spaghetti where it commonly breaks into multiple pieces. By looking into the wave we will see that when the wave propagates, it will cause local increase of bending which causes a secondary break. Method which is used to solve this problem is primary solving a fourth order partial dierential equation (PDE) which is derived from calculus of variations. This PDE is then solved numerically and analytically. Other approach to this problem is also done, where the simulation is based on basic solid and rigid mechanics. The method used to perform these calculation and simulation is shown and how it is implemented in MATLAB. Results from the mechanics point of view can be questioned, but the result based on the PDE do show promise as it have a successful attempt in showing waves to exists and are related to the secondary breaks.