Damage analysis and fracture criteria for piezoelectric ceramics

Both the mechanical and the electrical damages are introduced to study fracture mechanics of piezoelectric ceramics in this paper. Two kinds of piezoelectric fracture criteria are proposed by using the damage theory combined with the well-known piezoelectric fracture experiments of Park and Sun [Fracture criteria of piezoelectric ceramics, J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 78 (1995) 1475-1480]. One is based on a critical state of the mechanical damage and the other on a critical value of a proper linear combination of both the mechanical and the electrical damage variables. It is found that the fracture load predicted, which takes the mechanical damage into account only (mode 1), has greater deviation than predicted result by considering a proper linear combination of the mechanical and the electrical damages (mode 2). And the fracture criterion corresponding to mode 2 presented is shown to be superior to mode 1. It is also demonstrated that the mechanical damage has greater effect on fracture than the electrical damage.     

L'approche variationnelle de la fatigue : des premiers résultats

By using a principle of least energy and a Dugdale surface energy with an irreversibility condition, we build a debonding model of thin films valid both for monotone and cyclic loading. We show that, if the internal length introduced in Dugdale model is small in comparison to the film length, then the growth of the debonding follows Griffith's law under monotone loading and a Paris-type law under cycling loading. To cite this article: A. Jaubert, J.-J. Marigo, C. R. Mecanique 333 (2005).     

Crack growth resistance of shape memory alloys by means of a cohesive zone model

Crack growth resistance of shape memory alloys (SMAs) is dominated by the transformation zone in the vicinity of the crack tip. In this study, the transformation toughening behavior of a slowly propagating crack in an SMA under plane strain conditions and mode I deformation is numerically investigated. A small-scale transformation zone is assumed. A cohesive zone model is implemented to simulate crack growth within a finite element scheme. Resistance curves are obtained for a range of parameters that specify the cohesive traction-separation constitutive law. It is found that the choice of the cohesive strength t₀ has a great influence on the toughening behavior of the material. Moreover, the reversibility of the transformation can significantly reduce the toughening of the alloy. The shape of the initial transformation zone, as well as that of a growing crack is determined. The effect of the Young's moduli ratio of the martensite and austenite phases is examined.     

Infrared thermographic evaluation of large composite grid parts subjected to axial loading

Many composite parts, such as laminated panels and grid-like shells, operate under high mechanical loading. Evaluation of their structural integrity is crucial to ensure the long-lasting operation of critical components. Since testing a structure under full or “proof” load might be dangerous for personnel, it would be preferable to use a remote, rapid inspection technique. This paper describes a practical application of IR thermography to the inspection of large composite parts used in the aerospace industry. This work has used just one cycle of increasing load from zero load to failure, and this was done for both for tensile and compressive loads. It is shown that, during the formation of micro-defects in polymeric composites, about 40 % of the total dissipated energy is expended for material heating, while about 60 % is related to material damage accompanied by an increase in the defect concentration. Non-uniform composite deformation causes temperature anomalies, whose amplitude may reach 1.5–2.5 °C at a load of about 50–60 % of the limit load.     

Fracture toughness assessment of polypropylene random copolymer with multiple stress modes using the essential work of fracture theory

In recent years, the essential work of fracture (EWF) method has been extensively employed for assessing a material's toughness by specific essential fracture work, especially for polymers showing ductile failure. However, most research has studied either the in-plane stress mode or the out-of-plane stress mode. To obtain a more in-depth understanding of the EWF theory, the specific essential and non-essential fracture work of polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R) was investigated in both in-plane stress mode and out-of-plane stress mode. The effects of ligament length, amount of pre-cracking and pre-cracking method on the specific essential and non-essential fracture work were explored. The specific essential fracture work obtained in both stress modes is compared and discussed.     

嵌段共聚物相容剂对聚合物共混体系力学性能影响的连续介观模拟

结合介观动力学方法和三维弹簧格子模型, 研究了嵌段共聚物相容剂对相容性较差的聚合物二元共混体系力学性能的影响. 在适当范围内不断增加嵌段共聚物相容剂的用量, 研究了相容剂含量对体系杨氏模数及拉伸强度的影响, 同时也对不同体系材料的破碎位点进行了分析. 结果表明, 未加入相容剂的二元共混体系在拉伸模拟中表现出较低的拉伸强度, 而适量添加相容剂可以显著提升材料的拉伸强度, 随着相容剂含量的增加, 共混体系的破碎位点会发生转移并最终改善材料的整体性能. 而相容剂的加入对体系杨氏模数的影响较小. 该连续模拟方法为关联聚合物复合体系的微观结构和宏观力学性能提供了一条高效的途径.     

岩体结构力学——岩体工程地质力学的新发展

本文从岩体工程地质力学角度, 研讨了岩体结构力学的意义, 地位与作用。作者就个人的认识, 将岩体结构力学的理论特点, 概括为五个方面, 即再变形和再破坏, 岩体结构的控制作用、岩体结构控制论、赋存环境以及关于岩体的多种力学介质和力学模型构成的力学体系。     

Mathematical Models in Polymer Processing

This paper is a concise overview of some problems in polymer science that are particularly stimulating from the point of view of modeling. Far from being exhaustive, it deals with two main subjects: phase change and polymerization.     

On the Logical Status of the Virtual Work Law

The law of virtual work (VWL) is probably the first law in the history of mechanics; it is previous to the one on the lever, though not completely distinct from it. Here I will discuss the logical status of VWL, that is whether it is an autonomous principle or a theorem of some sort of mechanics. The problem is complicated by the fact that up to now no universally recognised expression has been accepted for it. From this article the problematical nature of VWL demonstrability is quite clear when the mechanics does not characterise completely the constraints. Italian schools in the XVIII century, even if we do not take Lagrange into consideration, had an important role, both in the development of VWL and in the discussion of its role.     

Ultrasonic sizing of embedded vertical cracks in ferritic steel welds

Embedded vertical cracks are very often encountered in structural components necessitating reliable procedure for determining their size. Specialized ultrasonic techniques are required for estimation of through thickness height of these cracks [Mater. Eval. (1970) 28; J. NDI 26 (1977) 320; NND (1975) 146]. The conventional pulse-echo technique has serious limitations for quantitative estimation of vertical cracks because it is subject to variations due to reflectivity, coupling factors etc. The present study aims to improve the accuracy of embedded crack height measurement based on transit time rather than the reflected amplitude [NDT Int. (1982) 315; J. JSNDT 27 (1978) 118]. A unique method has been developed for generating known sizes of fatigue cracks ranging from 2.5 to 18 mm in height and 15 mm in length. These cracks were generated in rectangular steel specimens and subsequently embedded at predetermined locations using welding. These welded specimens containing the embedded vertical cracks were examined using ultrasonic techniques based on transit time like (a) flaw tip echo method and (b) mode conversion method. Using both the techniques excellent agreement was obtained between the estimated crack height and actual crack height with an accuracy of ±1 mm.