Papers by Author: Meinhard Kuna

Abstract: A recent cohesive zone model is applied to the simulation of crack extension in austenitic stainless steel under large scale yielding conditions. The shape of the corresponding exponential traction-separation-relation can be modified in a wide range. In order to investigate the sensitivity regarding the cohesive zone parameters, a systematic parametric study is performed. The shape of the traction-separation envelope has a minor effect on the results compared to the cohesive strength and the work of separation. The aim is to fit experimental data by an appropriate choice of these parameters. Therefore, not only force-displacement curves should be used, but also crack growth resistance curves should be employed. A promising strategy for parameter identification is derived.

Abstract: A new generation of multifunctional filters is made of carbon bonded alumina and is investigated within the collaborative research center 920 (CRC920). These filters are used during a casting process with the aim of reducing non-metallic inclusions in the cast product. The high thermal and mechanical loading of the filter requires a fracture mechanical characterization of the investigated ceramic material. In order to determine the fracture toughness of the ceramic material, a chevron-notched beam method (CNB) is applied. A 4-point-bending test set-up was constructed and brought into service, at which the load-displacement curve of small chevron-notched specimens (5 x 6 x 25 mm³) can be measured. The set-up offers the possibility of testing specimens at temperatures up to 1000oC. Preceding numerically work using the finite element method was performed to identify a suitable notch geometry. For this purpose a cohesive zone model was used. A parameter study is presented, which shows the influence of the notch parameter on the load-displacement curve.

Abstract: Open cell ceramic foam filters are utilized to reduce non-metallic inclusions during casting of metals and therefore to enhance the quality of cast parts. A new generation of multifunctional filters made of carbon bonded alumina (Al₂O₃-C) has been developed within the scope of the collaborative research center CRC 920 [1]. The assessment of the resistance against high thermal and mechanical loads requires a mechanical characterization of the ceramic filter material. The mechanical properties show a distinctive size dependency, that’s why the specimen dimensions should be similar to the strut size of the real filter structures. The tensile fracture behavior is investigated by means of the Small Punch Test (SPT) using miniaturized disk-shaped specimens. During the mechanical tests a load-displacement curve is measured until failure occurs and a fracture stress is calculated from the experimental results. An estimation about the failure probability by means of Weibull statistics is performed because of the large scatter of the strength of the material. Furthermore, a modified version of the SPT, the so called Ball On Three Balls Test (B3B), is applied and compared to the SPT. In a final step numerical simulations of the B3B tests are performed by means of the finite element method to identify fracture mechanical material parameters like the fracture toughness.

Abstract: In the present study the crack initiation and propagation is investigated in the ductile-brittle transition region by means of a microscopic model. In particular, the particles in the process zone in front of the crack tip are resolved discretely in finite element simulations. The competing mechanisms of particle debonding and possible subsequent void growth as well as particle breakage and cleavage of the metallic matrix are incorporated explicitly in the micromechanical model by means of a cohesive zone. This approach accounts for the complex interactions of the mechanisms and allows to simulate all stages of crack initiation and propagation at all relevant temperatures.

Abstract: Aim of this study is to describe the ductile damage of metastable austenitic steels which show TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP). Therefore, a criterion for the austenite to martensite transformation, the caused additional hardening and evolution equations for the TRIP-strain are incorporated into the damage model of Rousselier. As a first approach, the model is calibrated against unit cell simulations of the porous material for different stress triaxialities.

Abstract: Carbon bonded alumina (Al₂O₃-C) in various compositions are developed for the production of open cell filters, which are used for melt metal filtration processes [. The Small Punch Test (SPT) is used to determine the mechanical properties of such materials. Previous investigations showed two different types of fracture behavior [2,, which can be distinguished by typical features of the load deflection curves of the SPT. This paper clarifies this behavior by examining the fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Abstract: A general purpose direct BEM code has been developed for three-dimensional crack problems in piezoelectric structures. Special 3D non-continuous crack tip elements and several techniques for determining crack tip parameters were implemented. To calculate the electromechanical energy release rate for a virtual crack extension, the θ-method is employed, which was originally suggested by BONNET for linear elastic materials. The paper presents the generalization and numerical realization of the θ-method to 3D piezoelectric cracks. The great advantage of the θ-method is the direct computation of energy release rate, whereas the way via K-factors and the IRWIN matrix is more complicated. The efficiency and accuracy of the technique are shown for various example problems by comparing with analytical solutions.

Abstract: The J-integral for cracks in structures storing elastic, dielectric and thermal energies is derived from thermodynamical fundamentals. The FEM is applied to solve thermoelectrome- chanical boundary value problems, accounting for piezoelectric coupling, thermoelasticity and the pyroelectric effect. Examples demonstrate the influence of the thermal conductivity of cracks on the loading of the crack tip.

Abstract: A review is given about FEM-techniques to compute the coupled electromechanical boundary value problem of cracks in piezoelectric structures under static and dynamic loads. To calculate the relevant fracture parameters very precisely and efficient, the following numerical techniques are presented: i) Special singular crack tip elements, ii) Modified crack closure integral, iii) Computation of electromechanical J-integral and iv) Usage of interaction integrals. Special emphasis is devoted to different electric crack face boundary conditions. The accuracy, efficiency and applicability of these techniques are examined by various example problems and discussed with respect to their advantages and drawbacks for practical applications.

Abstract: An elliptical crack subjected to uniform temperature gradient in an infinite thermopiezoelectric solid is investigated in this work. Theoretical attempt has been made to find the temperature and piezoelectric fields at first by using a potential function formulation. The field intensity factors due to the thermal disturbance are obtained, as well as the local fields of the stresses and electric displacements near the crack front.