Generation of crack patterns with a physical model

We describe our approach to generating realistic crack patterns on the basis of a physical model. Our simulation model consists of nodes that represent infinitesimal volume elements on the surface of an object and springs that represent the effects of the physical connection between these elements. The fragmentation of the material is expressed by the cutting of springs. We applied this model to the drying process of mud, and we confirmed that it is capable of generating cracks similar to actual ones and that the generated pattern can be varied by changing the model parameters.