Effective elastic properties of particulate-reinforced compossite materials

A numerical approach for determination of the effective properties of particulate composite materials has been developed. A representative volume element (RVE) of the composite material is analyzed with help of the finite-element method. Uniform boundary displacements or tractions are applied on the boundaries of the RVE for introducing the known average strain in the RVE. Local stress and strain distributions in the RVE are calculated using the finite-element method. Different effective elastic constants can be calculated by averaging the local fields corresponding to different sets of boundary conditions. The present approach allows us to determine the effective properties of particle-reinforced composites with acceptable accuracy. The calculated effective properties of the composite are between the upper and lower Hashin—Shtrikman bounds. The results based on the present approach lead to higher stiffness of composites in comparison with analytical approaches.Institute fur Werkstoffwissenschaften, Fachberech Werkseoffwissenschaften, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, D-06099 Halle, Germany. Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 450–459, July–August, 1997.     

Numerical homogenization of composite structures with rhombic fiber arrangements

A numerical procedure is developed to determine effective material properties of unidirectional fiber reinforced composites with rhombic fiber arrangements. With the assumption of a periodic micro structure a representative volume element (RVE) is considered, where the phases have isotropic or transversely isotropic material characterizations. The interface between the phases is treated as perfect. The procedure handles the primary non-rectangular periodicity with homogenization techniques based on finite element models. Due to appropriate boundary conditions applied to the RVE elastic effective coefficients are derived. Six different boundary condition states are required to get all coefficients of the stiffness tensor. Results are listed and compared with other publications and good agreements are shown. Furthermore new results are presented, which exhibit the orthotropic behavior of such composites caused by the rhombic fiber arrangement. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Numerical study in stochastic homogenization for elliptic partial differential equations: Convergence rate in the size of representative volume elements

We describe the numerical scheme for the discretization and solution of 2D elliptic equations with strongly varying piecewise constant coefficients arising in the stochastic homogenization of multiscale composite materials. An efficient stiffness matrix generation scheme based on assembling the local Kronecker product matrices is introduced. The resulting large linear systems of equations are solved by the preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration with a convergence rate that is independent of the grid size and the variation in jumping coefficients (contrast). Using this solver, we numerically investigate the convergence of the representative volume element (RVE) method in stochastic homogenization that extracts the effective behavior of the random coefficient field. Our numerical experiments confirm the asymptotic convergence rate of systematic error and standard deviation in the size of RVE rigorously established in Gloria et al. The asymptotic behavior of covariances of the homogenized matrix in the form of a quartic tensor is also studied numerically. Our approach allows laptop computation of sufficiently large number of stochastic realizations even for large sizes of the RVE.     

Multi-scale modeling of beam-like structures: A new boundary condition concept for the RVE

In this work a coupled two-scale beam model using Timoshenko beam elements [1] with finite displacements on the macro scale and fully non-linear 3D brick elements on the micro scale is proposed. The calculation is carried out with the so-called FE² concept. To achieve the coupling between the beam and the brick elements, the algorithm from [2] is adapted. Within the degenerated concept of the Timoshenko beam, the introduction of a pure shear deformation leads to significant problems concerning the equilibrium condition on the micro scale. Applying this deformation mode on the RVE with periodic boundary conditions results in a rigid body rotation. Using linear displacement boundary conditions instead, the wrapping deformation is suppressed on the boundary, leading to a length dependency in the torsional deformation mode. In addition, the shear forces introduce a bending moment, which depends on the length of the RVE and adds spurious normal stresses and a length dependency of the shear stiffness. To overcome these problems, periodic boundary conditions are applied and the displacement assumptions are modified such that the shear deformation is achieved with force pairs on both ends of the RVE. The resulting model leads to length independent results in tension, bending and torsion and a domain which is able to produce a pure shear stress state. Consequently, only this domain of the model should be homogenized which can be accomplished by modifying the variations in the algorithm [2]. The concept is validated by simple linear and non-linear test problems. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Optimality conditions for stochastic boundary control problems governed by semilinear parabolic equations

We study the boundary control problems for stochastic parabolic equations with Neumann boundary conditions. Imposing super-parabolic conditions, we establish the existence and uniqueness of the solution of state and adjoint equations with non-homogeneous boundary conditions by the Galerkin approximations method. We also find that, in this case, the adjoint equation (BSPDE) has two boundary conditions (one is non-homogeneous, the other is homogeneous). By these results we derive necessary optimality conditions for the control systems under convex state constraints by the convex perturbation method.     

Aspects of computational homogenisation of microheterogeneous materials including decohesion at finite strains

During the last years, the development and application of new composite materials gained more and more importance. For engineering applications it is necessary to get effective material properties of such materials. In this contribution we present some aspects of computational homogenisation procedures of microheterogeneous materials which can show decohesion in a cohesive zone around the particles. Due to the decohesion we get finite deformations and .nite strains within the RVE. The geometrical and material nonlinearities cause the main dif.culties. The homogenization procedure leads to an effective stress strain curve for the RVE, and for the nonlinear elastic case one can also obtain effective material parameters. It is necessary to do statistical tests in order to get a representative result. Here we set a special focus on the adaptive numerical model, the statistical testing procedure and the different boundary conditions (pure tractions and pure displacements) applied on the RVE. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The equivalent inclusion technique and its convergence

This paper addresses the convergence characteristics of an iterative solution scheme of the Neumann‐type useful for obtaining homogenized mechanical material properties within an RVE. The analysis is based on the idea of “equivalent inclusions” and, within the context of stress/strain analysis, allows modeling of elastically highly heterogeneous bodies with the aid of discrete Fourier transforms. Within the iterative scheme the proof of convergence depends critically upon the choice of an appropriate, auxiliary stiffness matrix, which also determines the speed of convergence. Mathematically speaking it is based on Banach's fixpoint theorem and only results in necessary convergence conditions. However, for all cases of elastic heterogeneity that are of practical importance convergence can be demonstrated.     

Some unexpected results in vibration of non-homogeneous beams on elastic foundation

A special class of inverse vibration problems is studied in this investigation. We pose the following problem: Find the spatial distribution of the material density and the elastic stiffness of an inhomgeneous beam on elastic formulation so that the vibration mode shape constitutes a preselected function, namely the static deflection of the associated homogeneous beam under some simple loading conditions. Four sets of boundary conditions are considered, in context of polynomial representation of the material density and stiffness. It turns out unexpectedly, that irrespective of the boundary condition, the natural frequency is given by the same analytical formula.     

Uncertainty quantification for random parabolic equations with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions on a bounded domain via the approximation of the probability density function

This paper deals with the randomized heat equation defined on a general bounded interval [L₁, L₂] and with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions. The solution is a stochastic process that can be related, via changes of variable, with the solution stochastic process of the random heat equation defined on [0,1] with homogeneous boundary conditions. Results in the extant literature establish conditions under which the probability density function of the solution process to the random heat equation on [0,1] with homogeneous boundary conditions can be approximated. Via the changes of variable and the Random Variable Transformation technique, we set mild conditions under which the probability density function of the solution process to the random heat equation on a general bounded interval [L₁, L₂] and with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions can be approximated uniformly or pointwise. Furthermore, we provide sufficient conditions in order that the expectation and the variance of the solution stochastic process can be computed from the proposed approximations of the probability density function. Numerical examples are performed in the case that the initial condition process has a certain Karhunen‐Loève expansion, being Gaussian and non‐Gaussian.     

Spatial Random Material Property Model for Vibration of Composites

Investigation of vibration and buckling of thin walled composite structures is very sensitive to parameters like uncertain material properties and thickness imperfections. Because of the manufacturing process and others, thin walled composite and other structures show uncertainties in material properties, and other parameters which cannot be reduced by refined discretization. These parameters are mostly spatial distributed in nature. Here I introduce a semivariogram type material property model to predict the spatial distributed material property (like young's modulus) over the structure. The computation of semivariogram parameters needs the local material properties over a prespecified gird. The material properties at each grid have been obtained by considering a statistically homogeneous representative volume element (RVE) at each gird. According to random nature of the spatial arrangement of fibers, the statistically homogeneous RVE is obtained using image processing. The effective material properties of the RVE have been obtained numerically with the help of periodic boundary condition. The methodology is applied to a composite panel model and modal analysis has been carried. The results of the modal analysis (eigen values and mode shapes) are compared with experimental modal analysis results which are in good agreement. Using the presented material property model we can better predict the vibration characteristics of the thin walled composite structures with the inherent uncertainties. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A remarkable nature of the effect of boundary conditions on closed-form solutions for vibrating inhomogeneous Bernoulli–Euler beams

In this paper three sets of boundary conditions are considered for reconstructing the stiffness of the inhomogeneous Bernoulli–Euler beams. The essence of the paper consists in postulating the mode shape of the vibrating beam as a static deflection of associated uniform, homogeneous beam. This unconventional way of problem formulation turns out to lead to series of new closed-form solutions. For each combination of the boundary conditions several cases of the inertial coefficients are considered. All exact solutions for natural frequencies are represented as rational expressions of the involved coefficients. Solutions are written in terms of two positive integers: `m' representing the degree of the polynomial in the inertial term and `n' indicating power in the postulated mode shape. A remarkable conclusion is reached: For specified `m' and `n', the natural frequencies of the inhomogeneous beams with different boundary conditions coalesce. This remarkable nature does not imply that these beams share the same frequencies. In fact, these are different beams for each set of boundary conditions the expression for the stiffness is different. The paper should be considered as a first step towards analysis of uncertainty, inherently present in structures.     

Microscale modelling and homogenization of fiber structured materials

Various phenomena occurring on the macrosscale result from physical and mechanical behaviour on the microscale [1]. For the mechanical modeling and simulation of the heterogeneous composition of fiber structured material, in addition to the material properties the contact between the fibers has to be taken into account. The material behaviour is strongly influenced by the material properties of the fiber, but also by the geometrical structure. Periodically arranged fibers like woven, knitted or plaited fabrics and randomly oriented ones like fleece can be distinguished in their arrangement. In consideration of different lengthscales the problem involves, it is necessary to introduce a multiscale approach based on the concept of a representative volume element (RVE). The macro-micro scale transition requires a method to impose the deformation gradient on the RVE by suited boundary conditions. The reversing scale transition, based on the HILL-MANDEL condition, requires the equality of the macroscopic average of the variation of work on the RVE and the local variation of the work on the macroscale [2]. For the micro-macro transition the averaged stresses have to be extracted by a homogenization scheme. From these results an effective material law can be derived. Beside the theoretical aspects, we present the stress-strain relation for RVE-models and different boundary conditions. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

An Impact of Stochastic Dynamic Boundary Conditions on the Evolution of the Cahn-Hilliard System

Abstract

Nonlinear systems are often subject to random influences. Sometimes the noise enters the system through physical boundaries and this leads to stochastic dynamic boundary conditions. A dynamic, as opposed to static, boundary condition involves the time derivative as well as spatial derivatives for the system state variables on the boundary. Although stochastic static (Neumann or Dirichet type) boundary conditions have been applied for stochastic partial differential equations, not much is known about the dynamical impact of stochastic dynamic boundary conditions. The purpose of this article is to study possible impacts of stochastic dynamic boundary conditions on the long term dynamics of the Cahn-Hilliard equation arising in the materials science. We show that the dimension estimation of the random attractor increases as the coefficient for the dynamic term in the stochastic dynamic boundary condition decreases. However, the dimension of the random attractor is not affected by the corresponding stochastic static boundary condition.     

On an integral representation of the solution of the Laplace equation with mixed boundary conditions

We obtain an integral representation of the solution of the Laplace equation with three distinct boundary conditions. Depending on the statement of the problem, the homogeneous boundary value problem may have nontrivial solutions; in other cases, the solution of the homogeneous problem is zero. Note that the inhomogeneous problem is always solvable.     

Multiscale modeling of continuous fiber and fabric reinforced rubber components

Fabric or continuous fiber reinforced rubber components (e.g. tires, air springs, industrial hoses, conveyor belts or membranes) are underlying high deformations in application and show a complex, nonlinear material behavior. A particular challenge depicts the simulation of these composites. In this contribution we show the identification of the stress and strain distributions by using an uncoupled multiscale modeling method, see [1]. Within this method, two representation levels are described: One, the meso level, where all constituents of the composite are shown in a discrete manner by a representative volume element (RVE) and secondly, the macro level, where the structural behavior of the component is defined by a smeared anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive law. Uncoupled means that the RVE does not drive the macroscopic material behavior directly as in a coupled approach, where a RVE boundary value problem has to be solved at every integration point of the macro level. Thus an uncoupled approach leads to a tremendous reduction in numerical effort because the boundary value problem of a RVE just has to be solved at a point of interest, see [1]. However, the uncoupled scale transition has to fulfill the HILL–MANDEL condition of energetic equivalence of both scales. We show the calibration of material parameters for a given constitutive model for fiber reinforced rubber by fitting experimental data on the macro level. Additionally, we demonstrate the determination of effective properties of the yarns. Finally, we compare the energies of both scales in terms of compliance with the HILL–MANDEL condition by using the example of a biaxial loaded sample and discuss the consequences for the mesoscopic level. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Finite-element calculation of a plate compliant in transverse shear

A finite-element calculation of a plate with a low transverse shear stiffness is presented. As the basic kinematic parameters, the angles of transverse shear at each of four nodes of the finite element of the plate are selected. The results found for the stress-strain state of an isotropic homogeneous composite and a three-layer plates confirm that the finite-element model elaborated is also efficient in the cases of nonclassical boundary conditions for plates, including conditions for the angles of transverse shear.     

Investigation of a problem of an elastic half space subjected to stochastic temperature distribution at the boundary

The present work investigates the responses of stochastic type temperature distribution applied at the boundary of an elastic medium in the context of thermoelasticity without energy dissipation. We consider an one dimensional problem of half space and assume that the bounding surface of the half space is traction free and is subjected to two types of time dependent temperature distributions which are of stochastic types. In order to compare the results predicted by stochastic temperature distributions with the results of deterministic type temperature distribution, the stochastic type temperature distributions applied at the boundary are taken in such a way that they reduce to the cases of deterministic types as special cases. Integral transform technique along with stochastic calculus is used to solve the problem. The approximated solutions for physical fields like, stress, temperature, displacement etc. are derived for very small values of time where stochastic type boundary conditions are taken to be of white noise type. The problem is further illustrated with graphical representation of numerical solutions of the problem for a particular case. A detailed comparison of the results of stochastic temperature, displacement and stress distributions inside the half space with the corresponding results of deterministic distributions is presented and special features of the effects of stochastic type boundary conditions are highlighted.     

Nonlinear bending and buckling for strain gradient elastic beams

Nonlinear bending of strain gradient elastic thin beams is studied adopting Bernoulli–Euler principle. Simple nonlinear strain gradient elastic theory with surface energy is employed. In fact linear constitutive relations for strain gradient elastic theory with nonlinear strains are adopted. The governing beam equations with its boundary conditions are derived through a variational method. New terms are considered, already introduced for linear cases, indicating the importance of the cross-section area, in addition to moment of inertia in bending of thin beams. Those terms strongly increase the stiffness of the thin beam. The non-linear theory is applied to buckling problems of thin beams, especially in the study of the postbuckling behaviour.     

Periodic solutions of a quasilinear wave equation

We study the properties of wave operators satisfying the periodicity condition with respect to time and homogeneous boundary conditions of the third kind and of Dirichlet type. We prove the existence of a nontrivial periodic (in time) sine-Gordon solution with homogeneous boundary conditions of the third kind and of Dirichlet type. We obtain theorems on the existence of periodic solutions of a quasilinear wave equation with variable (in x) coefficients and a boundary condition of the third kind.