A Model for Craquelure: Brittle Layers on Elastic Substrates

We propose a model for a brittle layer of material on an elastic substrate, with in mind a layer of paint on canvas. The deformation of the underlying elastic material may trigger fracture on the brittle medium that are visible on its surface as a craquelure pattern. The geometry of this pattern may be influenced by the thickness of the brittle layer and its evolution history.