  We consider both analytical and numerical studies of a steady-state fracture
process inside a discrete mass-beam structure, composed of periodically placed
masses connected by Euler-Bernoulli beams. A fault inside the structure is
assumed to propagate with a constant speed and this occurs as a result of the
action of a remote sinusoidal, mechanical load. The established regime of
fracture corresponds to the case of an alternating generalised strain regime.
The model is reduced to a Wiener-Hopf equation and its solution is presented.
We determine the minimum feeding wave energy required for the steady-state
fracture process to occur. In addition, we identify the dynamic features of the
structure during the steady-state fracture regime. A transient analysis of this
problem is also presented, where the existence of steady-state fracture
regimes, revealed by the analytical model, are verified and the associated
transient features of this process are discussed.
