Inverse Estimation of Cohesive Fracture Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Using an Optimization Approach

Tensile cracking in asphalt pavements due to vehicular and thermal loads has become an experimental and numerical research focus in the asphalt materials community. Previous studies have used the discrete element method (DEM) to study asphalt concrete fracture. These studies used trial-and-error to obtain local fracture properties such that the DEM models approximate the experimental load-crack mouth opening displacement response. In the current study, we identify the cohesive fracture properties of asphalt mixtures via a nonlinear optimization method. The method encompasses a comparative investigation of displacement fields obtained using both digital image correlation (DIC) and heterogeneous DEM fracture simulations. The proposed method is applied to two standard fracture test geometries: the single-edge notched beam test, SE(B), under three-point bending, and the disk-shaped compact tension test, DC(T). For each test, the Subset Splitting DIC algorithm is used to determine the displacement field in a predefined region near the notch tip. Then, a given number of DEM simulations are performed on the same specimen. The DEM is used to simulate the fracture of asphalt concrete with a linear softening cohesive contact model, where fracture-related properties (e.g., maximum tensile force and maximum crack opening) are varied within a predefined range. The difference between DIC and DEM displacement fields for each set of fracture parameters is then computed and converted to a continuous function via multivariate Lagrange interpolation. Finally, we use a Newton-like optimization technique to minimize Lagrange multinomials, yielding a set of fracture parameters that minimizes the difference between the DEM and DIC displacement fields. The optimized set of fracture parameters from this nonlinear optimization procedure led to DEM results which are consistent with the experimental results for both SE(B) and DC(T) geometries.     

基于数字散斑相关法的紧凑拉伸试样断裂韧性实验研究

本文采用数字散斑相关方法对2A12T4铝合金紧凑拉伸试样的断裂韧性进行了实验研究。应用数字散斑相关方法计算了实验过程中试样的应变场、应力场以及位移场。针对实验所得的结果以及紧凑拉伸试样的裂纹特征,采用了矩形积分路径。选择沿裂纹方向和垂直裂纹方向的J积分路径,并且推导出各方向上J积分的数值计算公式。根据推导得到的公式选择不同的积分路径进行J积分的计算,得到了断裂韧性J0积分路径的合理选择范围,同时验证了J积分的路径守恒性。然后根据所得的路径选择标准,选择合理的积分路径,计算出2A12T4铝合金断裂韧性J0的值。将所得结果与国标计算的J0值对比,误差为1.22%,说明了此种方法的正确性。从而为数字散斑相关方法在紧凑拉伸试样断裂韧性的测试研究中提供参考。     

一种基于SHTB的Ⅱ型动态断裂实验技术

冲击剪切载荷作用下动态断裂韧性的测定是材料力学性能和断裂行为研究中重要组成部分.为了测定材料的Ⅱ型动态断裂韧性,许多学者采用不同的试样与实验方法进行了实验,但限于实验条件,裂纹断裂模式往往是I+Ⅱ复合型,而不是纯Ⅱ型,因而不能准确测得材料的Ⅱ型动态断裂韧性.鉴于此,本文基于分离式霍普金森拉杆(split Hopkinson tension bar,SHTB)实验技术,提出一种改进的紧凑拉伸剪切(modified compact tension shear,MCTS)试样,通过夹具对MCTS试样施加约束,从而保证试样按照纯Ⅱ型模式断裂.采用实验-数值方法对MCTS试样动态加载过程进行分析,将实验测得的波形输入有限元软件ANSYS-LSDYNA,得到了裂纹尖端应力强度因子-时间曲线,并与紧凑拉伸剪切(compact tension shear,CTS)试样进行了对比.同时采用数字图像相关法进行了实验,验证了有限元分析结果.结果表明,MCTS试样在整个加载过程中K_I K_Ⅱ,裂纹没有张开;而CTS试样在同样的加载过程中K_IK_Ⅱ,出现裂纹张开现象.这说明MCTS试样能够准确地测定材料的Ⅱ型动态断裂韧性,为材料动态力学测试提供了一种有效的实验技术.     

Dynamic fracture of concrete – compact tension specimen

The behavior of concrete structures is strongly influenced by the loading rate. Compared to quasi-static loading concrete loaded by impact loading acts in a different way. First, there is a strain-rate influence on strength, stiffness, and ductility, and, second, there are inertia forces activated. Both influences are clearly demonstrated in experiments. Moreover, for concrete structures, which exhibit damage and fracture phenomena, the failure mode and cracking pattern depend on loading rate. In general, there is a tendency that with the increase of loading rate the failure mode changes from mode-I to mixed mode. Furthermore, theoretical and experimental investigations indicate that after the crack reaches critical speed of propagation there is crack branching. The present paper focuses on 3D finite-element study of the crack propagation of the concrete compact tension specimen. The rate sensitive microplane model is used as a constitutive law for concrete. The strain-rate influence is captured by the activation energy theory. Inertia forces are implicitly accounted for through dynamic finite element analysis. The results of the study show that the fracture of the specimen strongly depends on the loading rate. For relatively low loading rates there is a single crack due to the mode-I fracture. However, with the increase of loading rate crack branching is observed. Up to certain threshold (critical) loading rate the maximal crack velocity increases with increase of loading rate, however, for higher loading rates maximal velocity of the crack propagation becomes independent of the loading rate. The critical crack velocity at the onset of crack branching is found to be approximately 500 m/s.     

平面应变下紧凑拉伸试样的动态断裂韧性的实验研究

材料的动态断裂韧性是衡量材料在动载荷作用下抵杭裂纹扩展能力的重要指标,以往的材料动态断裂韧性测试多采用三点弯曲试样,而针对紧凑拉伸试样的动态断裂韧性研究很少.本文将紧凑拉伸试样(即CT试样)简化成等效弹簧质量模型,得到了CT试样动态应力强度因子的近似表达式.对Hopkinson压杆装置进行了改进,利用改进后的实验装置进...     

Brittle fracture: Variation of fracture toughness with constraint and crack curving under mode I conditions

The effect of constraint on brittle fracture of solids under predominantly elastic deformation and mode I loading conditions is studied. Using different cracked specimen geometry, the variation of constraint is achieved in this work. Fracture tests of polymethyl methacrylate were performed using single edge notch, compact tension and double cantilever beam specimens to cover a bread range of constraint. The test data demonstrate that the apparent fracture toughness of the material varies with the specimen geometry or the constraint level. Theory is developed using the critical stress (strain) as the fracture criterion to show that this variation can be interpreted using the critical stress intensity factorK _Cand a second parameterT orA ₃,whereT andA ₃are the amplitudes of the second and the third term in the Williams series solution, respectively. The implication of this constraint effect to the ASTM fracture toughness value, crack tip opening displacement fracture criterion and energy release rateG _Cis discussed. Using the same critical stress (strain) as the fracture criterion, the theory further predicts crack curving or instability under mode I loading conditions. Experimental data are presented and compared with the theory.     

Using Semi Circular Bending Test to Evaluate Low Temperature Fracture Resistance for Asphalt Concrete

This work presents a repeatable semi circular bending (SCB) fracture test to evaluate the low temperature fracture resistance of asphalt mixture. The fracture resistance of six asphalt mixtures, which represent a combination of factors such as binder type, binder modifier, aggregate type, and air voids, and two testing conditions of loading rate and initial notch length, was evaluated by performing SCB fracture tests at three low temperatures. Fracture energy was calculated from the experimental data. Experimental results indicated strong dependence of the low temperature fracture resistance on the test temperature. Experimental plots and low coefficient of variation (COV) values from three replicates show a satisfactory repeatability from the test. The results of the analysis showed that fracture resistance of asphalt mixtures is significantly affected by type of aggregate and air void content. Experimental results also confirmed the significance of binder grade and modifier type with relation to cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. Analysis of result also indicated that both the loading rate and initial notch length had significant effect on the fracture energy at the highest test temperature, whereas the effect was strongly diluted at the two lower temperatures. No clear trend was found with the fracture peak load from either the effect of loading rate or notch length.     

复合载荷下脆性材料紧凑拉伸试件疲劳裂纹的预制

本文针对脆性材料的紧凑拉伸（CT）试件,提出了在复合疲劳载荷作用下预制疲劳裂纹的新方法,用此方法预制出7060-T6铝合金的CT试件疲劳裂纹并测试其断裂韧性。由于采用了框架结构和螺旋结构在CT试件的两侧面施加压缩载荷,在拉伸疲劳载荷作用下产生与之方向相反的压缩疲劳载荷,形成复合疲劳载荷,引起应力强度因子范围ΔK的下降,导致裂纹扩展速率的降低,从而控制了疲劳预制裂纹长度。此压缩疲劳载荷值用贴电阻片方法和组成全桥原理测定出。在一定拉伸疲劳载荷和压缩载荷下,可成功地预制出所需的疲劳裂纹长度。     

Effect of T-stress on the mode-I fracture toughness of concrete

T-stress expressions are provided for three-point bending (TPB) beams and compact tension (CT) specimens and then its influence on mode I fracture toughness of concrete is investigated. The study shows that T-stress is dependent on the specimen's geometry and the material's property as well, and for TPB and CT specimens of regular size, T-stress is so small that its consequences can be neglected. The study also indicates that concrete specimen size should be carefully chosen to make sure the existence of K-dominance ahead of the crack tip, thus fracture toughness extracted from these specimen configurations can be reliable.     

混凝土拉伸软化曲线折线近似的逆解方法

研究基于Hillerborg的虚拟裂纹模型，利用有限元分析方法，求得折线近似的拉伸软化曲线的逆解方法。对弹性模量，初始开裂应力的决定方法进行了研究。以双直线模型的计算结果为算例进行了逆推分析，算例符合得很好。也较好地从实验得到的荷载位移曲线再现了拉伸软化曲线。这对于研究混凝土的断裂能，尺寸效应等问题很具意义。     

PZT-4紧凑拉伸试样的断裂分析

基于线性压电材料的复势理论,通过解析分析,导出了一种分析有限压电板裂纹问题的解析数值方法. 首先,计算了含中心裂纹有限板的断裂参数,与Woo和Wang的解析数值法(Int J Fract, 1993, 62: 203$\sim$218)相比较,表明该方法具有很高的精度和很好的计算效率. 随后,采用该方法和有限元法计算了PZT-4紧凑拉伸试样在绝缘裂纹面边界条件下断裂时的断裂参数,发现各断裂参数的临界值分散性很大,不能作为压电材料的单参数断裂准则. 进而,针对试样真实的裂隙形状,采用有限元法计算了裂隙尖端的应力、电位移场,比较了裂隙内介质的介电性能对裂隙尖端场的影响,计算了带微裂纹的真实裂隙模型的断裂参数并进行了理论分析.      

Determination of Creep Compliance of Asphalt Concrete from Notched Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) Test

The feasibility of determining the creep compliance of asphalt concrete from a notched Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) test specimen was investigated. The objective of this study was to propose a combined test methodology that can provide both viscoelastic and fracture properties of asphalt concrete mixtures tested at low temperatures. Finite element (FE) analyses were performed to understand the stress state in the SCB, and an optimal load range producing appreciable displacement measurements while preserving the linear viscoelastic conditions was identified. Expressions that relate displacement measurements, from particular regions of the SCB specimen, to creep function were derived. The validity of the proposed SCB creep method was tested both by numerical simulations and experimental testing. Good agreement was found between the creep function obtained from SCB and those obtained from the Three-Point Bending Beam (3PBB) and the Indirect Tensile (IDT) creep test.     

低速冲击下混凝土少筋梁断裂性能

动态加载下,混凝土中钢筋的阻裂性能一直是冲击动力学研究领域的难点之一。利用落锤试验机对含缺口的混凝土少筋梁进行三点弯曲试验,分析了不同加载速率下梁的冲击力、跨中挠度、混凝土起裂应变率和钢筋应变。实验结果表明:在一定加载速率范围内（0.885～1.252 m/s）,混凝土预制裂缝尖端的裂纹起裂应变率、冲击力最大值、跨中挠度峰值与加载速率呈线性增长关系,当加载速率增至1.771 m/s时,增长趋势减弱;冲击力卸载时,钢筋部分弹性变形恢复导致裂纹产生闭合,裂纹嘴张开位移逐渐减小至恒定值,对裂纹嘴张开位移峰值前的部分曲线进行拟合后得到裂纹嘴张开位移率,结果表明裂纹嘴张开位移率随加载速率的提高而线性增大。     

Modelling of crack growth by fracture damage zone

The strain energy density (SED) criterion is applied for analyzing the full range of mixed mode fracture from tensile to shear loading. A fracture damage zone (FDZ) local to the crack tip is defined and discussed in connection with the influence of crack geometry, loading and local material property. The size of FDZ tends to change continuously from statically to cyclically applied load conditions. It can be estimated from the uniaxial mechanical properties of the material. Both experimental and analytical results are examined for subcritical crack growth under static loading that depends on the type steel structures the fracture behavior of which could be represented by a single curve for the given specimen geometry.     

混凝土断裂能测试方法研究

基于局部断裂能分布的双直线模型,推导出混凝土真实断裂能和受尺寸影响的断裂能的计算公式;并进一步通过分析四组不同尺寸试件的楔形劈裂试验数据,得出了不受尺寸影响的混凝土真实断裂能.本文为确定混凝土的断裂能提供了一种实践可行的测试方法.通过实验数据拟合,给出了断裂能非均匀分布的外部区域长度与试件尺寸的关系表达式.这对于在规范中规定测试断裂能的标准尺寸试件是有意义的.     

A simple model of the double cantilever beam crack propagation specimen

A very simple model of the double cantilever beam (dcb) dynamic crack propagation specimen is studied. The main assumption on which the model is based is that the arms of the dcb specimen deform as shear beams. The particular problem studied is the dynamic growth of a sharp crack from a blunt pre-crack with the ends of the specimen arms held at a fixed separation distance. It is demonstrated that this simple model predicts crack motion which is qualitatively consistent with the results of more detailed numerical analyses of the problem and with experimental results. The analysis employs an energy balance crack propagation criterion and both constant specific fracture energy and a class of crack speed dependent fracture energies are considered. Among the features exhibited by the model is that, for constant specific fracture energy, the crack tip speed is constant from initiation up to arrest. On the other hand, for the same geometry and loading conditions, but a strongly crack speed dependent specific fracture energy, the crack speed decreases gradually between fracture initiation and crack arrest.     

柔度法研究镍铬合金焊材的高温疲劳裂纹扩展行为

金属材料的高温疲劳裂纹扩展速率试验,关键问题在于高温环境下精确测量试样的裂纹长度.基于柔度测试技术,通过改进现有高温应变引伸计实现了FFCT试样的高温疲劳裂纹扩展速率测试.利用有限元方法对具有分层构形CT试样的柔度方法进行了研究,获得了分层结构CT试样的等效弹性模量表达式,通过迭代方法对实时裂纹长度进行修正,获得了良好的预测精度.完成了镍铬合金焊带、焊条和焊丝三种焊材常温和350℃下的疲劳裂纹扩展速率试验,获得了相应的疲劳裂纹扩展规律.     

Softening behaviour and correction of the fracture energy

The area under the load–displacement softening curve gives the total external work on the test specimen and not the fracture energy. The fracture energy follows from half this area that is equal to the critical strain energy release rate at the first crack increment. For wood this is correctly applied for mode II. For mode I however, as for other materials, the total area is wrongly regarded, a factor 2 is too high. In some applications, based on crack increment cycles, the error is even a multiple of this factor 2. On the other hand, the measurements at softening may show an apparent decrease of the specific fracture energy that can be explained by a small crack joining mechanism when the ultimate state of the ligament of the test specimen is reached. Post fracture behaviour is thus not comparable with the behaviour of macro crack initiation.It is further shown, by the kinetics of the process, that the irreversible work of an ultimate loading cycle is proportional to the activation energy of the fracture process and not to the driving force of the process. This explains why the crack velocity decreases with the increase of this irreversible work and increases with the stress intensity increase.The fracture energy is a function of the Griffith strength and is thus related to the effective width of the test specimen and not to the ligament length. This also has to be corrected. Based on the derivation of the softening curve, the reported fracture toughness of 720 kN m^−1.5 of double-edge notched tests is corrected to 330 kN m^−1.5 and the value of 467 kN m^−1.5, based on the fracture energy, of the compact tension tests, is also corrected to the right value of 330 kN m^−1.5. A revision of published mode I data, based on the fracture energy obtained by the area of the softening curve, is thus necessary.     

Discrete fracture modeling of asphalt concrete

A heterogeneous fracture approach is presented for modeling asphalt concrete that is composed of solid inclusions and a viscous matrix, and is subjected to mode-I loading in the fracture test configuration. A heterogeneous fracture model, based on the discrete element method (DEM), is developed to investigate various fracture toughening mechanisms of asphalt materials using a high-resolution image processing technique. An energy-based bilinear cohesive zone model is used to model the crack initiation and propagation of materials, and is implemented as a user-defined model within the discrete element method. Experimental fracture tests are performed to investigate various fracture behavior of asphalt concrete and obtain material input parameters for numerical models. Also, bulk material properties are necessary for each material phase for heterogeneous numerical models; these properties are determined by uniaxial complex modulus tests and indirect tensile strength tests. The main objective of this study is to integrate the experimental tests and numerical models in order to better understand the fracture mechanisms of asphaltic heterogeneous materials. Experimental results and numerical simulations are compared at different test conditions with excellent agreement. The heterogeneous DEM fracture modeling approach has the potential capability to understand various crack mechanisms of quasi-brittle materials.     

Damage accumulation and crack growth in bilinear materials with softening: Application of strain energy density theory

A pseudo-elastic damage-accumulation model is developed by application of the strain energy density theory. The three-point bending specimen is analyzed to illustrate the crack growth characteristics according to a linear elastic softening constitutive law that is typical of concrete materials. Damage accumulation is accounted for by the decrease of elastic modulus and fracture toughness. Both of these effects are assessed by means of the strain energy density functions in the elements around a slowly moving crack. The rate of change of the strain energy density factor S with crack growth as expressed by the relation dS/da = constant is shown to describe the failure behavior of concrete. Results are obtained for different loading steps that yield different slopes of lines in an S versus a (crack length) plot. The lines rotate about the common intersect in an anti-clockwise direction as the load steps are increased. The intersect shifts upward according to increase in the specimen size. In this way, the combined interaction of material properties, load steps and specimen geometry and size are easily analyzed in terms of the failure mode or behavior that can change from the very brittle to the ductile involving stable crack growth. An upper limit on specimen or structural size is established beyond which stable crack growth ceases to occur and failure corresponds to unstable crack propagation or catastrophic fracture. The parameters that control the failure mode are the threshold values of the strain energy density function (dW/dV)_c and the strain energy density factor S_c.