Analysis of crack growth and crack-tip plasticity in ductile materials using cohesive zone models

Crack initiation and crack growth resistance in elastic plastic materials, dominated by crack-tip plasticity are analyzed with the crack modeled as a cohesive zone. Two different types (exponential and bilinear) of cohesive zone models (CZMs) have been used to represent the mechanical behavior of the cohesive zones. In this work, it is suggested that different forms of CZMs (e.g., exponential, bilinear) are the manifestations of different micromechanisms-based inelastic processes that participate in dissipating energy during the fracture process and each form is specific to each material system. It is postulated that the total energy release rate comprises the plastic dissipation rate in the bounding material and the separation energy rate within the fracture process zone, the latter is determined by CZMs. The total energy release rate then becomes a function of the material properties (e.g., yield strength, strain hardening exponent) and cohesive properties of the fracture process zone (e.g., cohesive strength and cohesive energy), and the form of cohesive zone model (CZM) that determines the rate of energy dissipation in the forward and wake regions of the crack. The effects of material parameters, cohesive zone parameters as well as the form/shape of CZMs in predicting the crack growth resistance and the size of plastic zone (SPZ) surrounding the crack tip are systematically examined. It is found that in addition to the cohesive strength and cohesive energy, the form (shape) of the traction–separation law of CZM plays a very critical role in determining the crack growth resistance (R-curve) of a given material. It is further observed that the shape of the CZM corresponds to inelastic processes active in the forward and wake regions of the crack, and has a profound influence on the R-curve and SPZ.     

Some issues in the application of cohesive zone models for metal–ceramic interfaces

Cohesive zone models (CZMs) are being increasingly used to simulate discrete fracture processes in a number of homogeneous and inhomogeneous material systems. The models are typically expressed as a function of normal and tangential tractions in terms of separation distances. The forms of the functions and parameters vary from model to model. In this work, two different forms of CZMs (exponential and bilinear) are used to evaluate the response of interfaces in titanium matrix composites reinforced by silicon carbide (SCS-6) fibers. The computational results are then compared to thin slice push-out experimental data. It is observed that the bilinear CZM reproduces the macroscopic mechanical response and the failure process while the exponential form fails to do so. From the numerical simulations, the parameters that describe the bilinear CZM are determined. The sensitivity of the various cohesive zone parameters in predicting the overall interfacial mechanical response (as observed in the thin-slice push out test) is carefully examined. Many researchers have suggested that two independent parameters (the cohesive energy, and either of the cohesive strength or the separation displacement) are sufficient to model cohesive zones implying that the form (shape) of the traction–separation equations is unimportant. However, it is shown in this work that in addition to the two independent parameters, the form of the traction–separation equations for CZMs plays a very critical role in determining the macroscopic mechanical response of the composite system.     

内聚力模型的形状对胶接结构断裂过程的影响

内聚力模型被广泛应用于粘接结构的断裂数值模拟过程中,为深入分析不同形状内聚力模型与胶黏剂性质和粘接结构断裂之间的关系,本文分别采用脆性和延展性两种类型胶黏剂,对其粘接的对接试件进行了单轴拉伸、剪切实验,以及其粘接的双臂梁试件进行了断裂实验.3种类型的内聚力模型(抛物线型、双线型和三线型)分别模拟了以上粘接结构的断裂过程,并与实验结果进行对比.结果发现:双线型的内聚力模型适用计算脆性胶黏剂的拉伸与剪切的断裂过程;指数型内聚力模型较适合计算延展性胶黏剂的拉伸和剪切的断裂过程,临界应力、断裂能和模型的形状参数是分析拉伸和剪切的重要参数;双臂梁试件的断裂过程模拟结果发现,断裂曲线与胶黏剂性质有关,内聚力模型形状参数也有影响.通过实验与计算结果分析,双线型内聚力模型更适合脆性胶黏剂粘接的双臂梁断裂计算,而三线型更适合计算延展性胶黏剂粘接的双臂梁断裂过程,此研究结果对胶黏剂的使用和粘接结构的断裂分析有很重要意义.     

Cohesive zone modeling of interfacial delamination in PZT thin films

Previous experimental investigations [Shang, F., Kitamura, T., Hirakata, H., Kanno, I., Kotera, H., Terada, K., 2005. Experimental and theoretical investigations of delamination at free edge of interface between piezoelectric thin films on a substrate. International Journal of Solids and Structures 42 (5–6) 1729–1741] have demonstrated that multilayered Cr/PZT/PLT/Pt/Ti thin films deposited on single-crystal silicon substrates are delaminated along the interface between Cr and PZT layers in a brittle manner. This study starts with a model based on the cohesive zone concept and carries out numerical simulations to check the fracture behavior of this interfacial delamination. Three types of cohesive zone models (CZMs) are adopted, including the exponential, bilinear, and trapezoidal models. Characteristic CZM parameters are extracted through comparisons with experimental results. The simulation results show that (i) cohesive strength and work of separation are the dominating parameters in the CZMs; (ii) the bilinear CZM more suitably describes this brittle interfacial delamination; and (iii) in comparison with typical several mm-thick film/coating materials, the fracture energy of this weak Cr/PZT interface is quite low. Our study demonstrates the applicability of CZM in characterizing the interface fracture behavior of film materials with micrometer thicknesses.     

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.     

A thermomechanical cohesive zone model for bridged delamination cracks

The coupled thermomechanical numerical analysis of composite laminates with bridged delamination cracks loaded by a temperature gradient is described. The numerical approach presented is based on the framework of a cohesive zone model. A traction-separation law is presented which accounts for breakdown of the micromechanisms responsible for load transfer across bridged delamination cracks. The load transfer behavior is coupled to heat conduction across the bridged delamination crack. The coupled crack-bridging model is implemented into a finite element framework as a thermomechanical cohesive zone model (CZM). The fundamental response of the thermomechanical CZM is described. Subsequently, bridged delamination cracks of fixed lengths are studied. Values of the crack tip energy release rate and of the crack heat flux are computed to characterize the loading of the structure. Specimen geometries are considered that lead to crack opening through bending deformation and buckling delamination. The influence of critical mechanical and thermal parameters of the bridging zone on the thermomechanical delamination behavior is discussed. Bridging fibers not only contribute to crack conductance, but by keeping the crack opening small they allow heat flux across the delamination crack to be sustained longer, and thereby contribute to reduced levels of thermal stresses. The micro-mechanism based cohesive zone model allows the assessment of the effectiveness of the individual mechanisms contributing to the thermomechanical crack bridging embedded into the structural analysis.     

压电复合材料粘接界面断裂有限元模拟

根据数字化FRMM(Fix-Ratio Mix-Mode)断裂试验,得到了压电复合材料试件的断裂韧性和位移及应变场。本文在试验的基础上,通过非线性有限元软件ABAQUS及用户子程序UMAT进行了模拟分析,采用基于损伤力学的粘聚区模型(CZM)对压电复合材料界面的起裂和脱胶扩展进行了分析,并与VCCT方法进行了比较。计算得到的荷载位移曲线更接近于试验结果,但在裂纹扩展路径上的吻合需要对粘聚区法则进一步修正。通过进一步对CZM参数进行分析,表明界面粘结强度和界面刚度对计算结果的影响很大。研究结果表明,粘聚区模型可以很好地表征压电复合材料弱粘接界面脱胶断裂问题。     

数学网格和物理网格分离的有限单元法(I):基本理论

常规有限单元法在复杂边界问题的网格剖分、可移动边界和非连续变形问题的数值模拟等方面存在困难.本文将常规的有限单元分离为几何上相互独立的数学单元和物理单元,基于数学单元构造近似函数,引入位移模式关联法则以确定物理单元的位移模式,提出了在现有有限单元法框架内、基于数学网格和物理网格分离的强化有限单元法(FEM++).与常规有限单元法(SFEM)比较表明,强化有限单元法不仅很好地克服了常规有限单元法网格剖分上的困难,而且提供了一条更简便、更自然的分析移动边界问题和非连续变形问题的新途径.最后,通过数值算例验证了强化有限单元法的适用性和有效性.     

数学网格和物理网格分离的有限单元法(II):粘聚裂纹扩展问题中的应用

强化有限单元法将物理网格与数学网格分离开来,可以方便地描述非连续变形;粘聚区域模型是模拟断裂过程区作用最简单有效的方法,且可以避免裂纹尖端的应力奇异性.本文以平面问题为例,将强化有限单元法与粘聚区域模型相结合,利用富集数学节点描述任意粘聚裂纹扩展过程中的非连续变形问题,提出了裂纹扩展过程中数学节点富集和数学单元定义的方法.本文还导出了与平面4～8节点平面等参单元对应的8～16节点粘聚裂纹单元列武.最后,通过三点弯梁的裂纹扩展过程模拟验证了本文提出的粘聚裂纹扩展模拟方法的有效性.     

Fracture Properties of Concrete–Concrete Interfaces Using Digital Image Correlation

The mode I and mode II fracture toughness and the critical strain energy release rate for different concrete–concrete jointed interfaces are experimentally determined using the Digital Image Correlation technique. Concrete beams having different compressive strength materials on either side of a centrally placed vertical interface are prepared and tested under three-point bending in a closed loop servo-controlled testing machine under crack mouth opening displacement control. Digital images are captured before loading (undeformed state) and at different instances of loading. These images are analyzed using correlation techniques to compute the surface displacements, strain components, crack opening and sliding displacements, load-point displacement, crack length and crack tip location. It is seen that the CMOD and vertical load-point displacement computed using DIC analysis matches well with those measured experimentally.     

内聚力模型裂纹问题分析的解析奇异单元

内聚力模型已经被广泛应用于需要考虑断裂过程区的裂纹问题当中,然而常用的数值方法应用于分析内聚力模型裂纹问题时还存在着一些不足,比如不能准确的给出断裂过程区的长度、需要网格加密等。为了克服这些缺点,论文构造了一个新型的解析奇异单元,并将之应用于基于内聚力模型的裂纹分析当中。首先将虚拟裂纹表面处的内聚力用拉格拉日插值的方法近似表示为多项式的形式,而多项式表示的内聚力所对应的特解可以被解析地给出。然后利用一个简单的迭代分析,基于内聚力模型的裂纹问题就可以被模拟出来了。最后,给出二个数值算例来证明本文方法的有效性。     

Analysis on the cohesive stress at half infinite crack tip

The nonlinear fracture behavior of quasi-brittle materials is closely related with the cohesive force distribution of fracture process zone at crack tip. Based on fracture character of quasi-brittle materials, a mechanical analysis model of half infinite crack with cohesive stress is presented. A pair of integral equations is established according to the superposition principle of crack opening displacement in solids, and the fictitious adhesive stress is unknown function . The properties of integral equations are analyzed, and the series function expression of cohesive stress is certified. By means of the data of actual crack opening displacement, two approaches to gain the cohesive stress distribution are proposed through resolving algebra equation. They are the integral transformation method for continuous displacement of actual crack opening, and the least square method for the discrete data of crack opening displacement. The calculation examples of two approaches and associated discussions are give     

复合材料粘聚区模型的强度参数预测

提出了一种基于周期性代表性单元（RVE）的细观模型,用于预测粘聚区模型的强度参数,以提高基于粘聚区模型的有限元法模拟复合材料分层的精度。模型从复合材料的细观结构出发,采用最大主应力准则判断粘聚层的初始裂纹的萌生,从而建立了粘聚强度与基体强度的关系;并以宏观正交各向异性为假设条件,确定了RVE的周期性位移边界条件。用该模型预测了AS4/PEEK和T700/QY8911层合板不同铺层间的粘聚强度。采用所预测的粘聚强度值对混合模式弯曲（MMB）和六点弯曲试验进行了仿真,仿真结果与实验值具有较好的一致性。     

Direct Evaluation of Cohesive Law in Mode I of Pinus pinaster by Digital Image Correlation

The direct identification of the cohesive law in pure mode I of Pinus pinaster is addressed in this work. The approach couples the double cantilever beam (DCB) test with digital image correlation (DIC). Wooden beam specimens loaded in the radial-longitudinal (RL) fracture propagation system are used. The strain energy release rate in mode I (G _I) is uniquely determined from the load–displacement curve by means of the compliance-based beam method (CBBM). This method relies on the concept of equivalent elastic crack length (a _eq) and therefore does not require the monitoring of crack propagation during test. DIC measurements are processed with two different purposes. Firstly, the physical evidence of a _eq is discussed with regard to actual estimation of the crack length based on post-processing full-field displacement measurements. Secondly, the crack tip opening displacement in mode I (w _I) is determined from the displacements near the initial crack tip. The cohesive law in mode I (σ _I???w _I) is then identified by numerical differentiation of the G _I???w _I relationship. The methodology and accuracy on this reconstruction are addressed. Moreover, the proposed procedure is validated by finite element analyses including cohesive zone modelling. It is concluded that the proposed data reduction scheme is adequate for assessing the cohesive law in pure mode I of P. pinaster.     

STOCHASTIC ELASTO-PLASTIC FRACTURE ANALYSIS OF ALUMINUM FOAMS

Model I quasi-static nonlinear fracture of aluminum foams is analyzed by considering the effect of microscopic heterogeneity. Firstly, a continuum constitutive model is adopted to account for the plastic compressibility of the metallic foams. The yield strain modeled by a two- parameter Weibull-type function is adopted in the constitutive model. Then, a modified cohesive zone model is established to characterize the fracture behavior of aluminum foams with a cohesive zone ahead of the initial crack. The tensile traction versus local crack opening displacement relation is employed to describe the softening characteristics of the material. And a Weibull statistical model for peak bridging stress within the fracture process zone is used for considering microscopic heterogeneity of aluminum foams. Lastly, the influence of stochastic parameters on the curve of stress-strain is given. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the numerical model presented in this paper and the effects of Weibull parameters and material properties on J-integral are discussed.     

Mode I Fracture at Spot Welds in Dual-Phase Steel: An Application of Reverse Digital Image Correlation

Strain fields in 600 grade dual-phase steel V-notch tensile specimens, both with and without a spot weld, were measured after mode I fracture initiation. Starting with the final image of a fully developed crack, a novel reverse digital image correlation (DIC) analysis was used to determine the path that the crack followed at the onset of fracture as well as the crack tip deformation field. This gave the pixel coordinates of grid points on both sides (i.e. fracture surfaces) of the crack path in the undeformed image. Strain fields that develop in the base material regions surrounding the two fracture surfaces were subsequently measured with forward DIC analysis. Steady state values of the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) and crack tip opening angle (CTOA), which are important fracture parameters, were measured for the base DP600 metal. Notch tip opening displacement (NTOD) and notch tip opening angle were also measured. It was found that steady state values of the CTOD and CTOA are reached within 2 mm or so of crack growth following completion of the flat-to-slant transition of the fracture surface and stabilization of the crack tunneling effect.     

混凝土三点弯曲梁裂缝断裂全过程数值模拟研究

考虑裂缝黏聚力的作用,基于Paris位移公式推导出混凝土三点弯曲梁裂缝扩展过程中断裂过程区上的裂缝张开位移的解析表达式.采用起裂韧度作为裂缝起裂及扩展的判断标准,提出了荷载作用下混凝土裂缝起裂、扩展及失稳破坏全过程的数值模拟方法,并分别与国内外断裂试验实测值及有限元计算值进行了比较.结果表明,本文提出的数值模拟方法形式简单且精度较好.     

Experimental and numerical investigation of fracture in a cast aluminium alloy

This paper describes an experimental and numerical investigation on the fracture behaviour of a cast AlSi9MgMn aluminium alloy. In the experiments, a modified Arcan test set-up was used to study mixed-mode fracture. During testing, the tension load and the displacement of the actuator of the test machine were recorded, simultaneously as a high-resolution digital camera was used to record a speckle-patterned surface of the specimen. The recorded images were post-processed using an in-house digital image correlation (DIC) software to obtain information of the displacement and strain fields in the specimen during the test. In addition, some newly implemented features in the DIC software allowed us to detect and follow the crack propagation in the material. The numerical calculations were carried out with a user-defined material model implemented in an explicit finite element code. In the model, the material behaviour is described by the classical J₂ flow theory, while fracture was modelled by the Cockcroft–Latham criterion, assuming the fracture parameter to follow a modified weakest-link Weibull distribution. With the proposed probabilistic fracture modelling approach, the fracture parameter can be introduced as a random variable in the finite element simulations. Crack propagation was modelled by element erosion, and a non-local damage formulation was used to reduce mesh-size sensitivity. To reveal the effect of mesh density and meshing technique on the force–displacement curves and the crack propagation, several different meshes were used in the numerical simulations of the modified Arcan tests. The numerical results were finally compared to the experimental data and the agreement between the measured and predicted response was evaluated.     

金属材料层裂破坏的内聚力模型

本文把内聚力单元嵌入到连续介质有限元单元之间,构建了一个层裂破坏的内聚力模型,以计及层裂破坏过程中能量耗散行为。采用该模型对平板撞击条件下的20号钢层裂实验进行了数值模拟研究,重点讨论了内聚力模型特征参数对计算结果的影响规律。研究结果表明采用指数型损伤演化行为的内聚力模型可以较好地描述弹塑性材料层裂破坏过程中的非线性能量耗散行为。利用一发实测自由面速度波剖面对计算结果进行对比校准,可确定内聚力模型特征参数。该特征参数可同样成功地预示不同撞击速度下的层裂实验,获得的模拟曲线与实验曲线之间符合程度很好,特别是自由面速度“回跳”后波形振荡周期和幅值与实验结果非常接近。这表明了内聚力模型在描述层裂过程中能量耗散行为方面具有较好适用性,并且不难由简单实验标定相关的特征参数。