The aim of this study was to devise a simple fracture model, which could be hosted on a personal computer (PC), to assist in researching the dynamic behaviour of materials during fast crack propagation. A model was required which could be easily reconfigured to represent different materials, provide good visibility of the dynamic fracture processes being simulated and generate information to complement the results of experimental research. A version of the devised PC model and its use with a recently developed experimental technique to achieve rapid crack propagation in a small specimen, is presented.