Papers by Keyword: R-Curve

Abstract: The paper is devoted to numerical modelling of R-curve behaviour in laminates with strong interfaces, in particular multilayers made of alumina (A) and zirconia (Z). Contrary to previous studies based upon the application of approximate weight function method originally developed for homogeneous specimens, a full field analysis by FE of a three-point bending test of a sandwich beam is attempted and compared with the results obtained by approximate weight function method. Also the crack penetration across the layer interfaces is discussed, particularly in the case of a weak singularity.

Abstract: The effect of hydrogen on the mechanical behaviour is twofold: It affects the local yield stress and it accelerates material damage. On the other hand, the diffusion behaviour is influenced by the hydrostatic stress, the plastic deformation and the strain rate. This requires a coupled model of deformation, damage and diffusion. The deformation behaviour is described by von Mises plasticity with pure isotropic hardening, and crack extension is simulated by a cohesive zone model. The local hydrogen concentration, which is obtained from the diffusion analysis, causes a reduction of the cohesive strength. Crack extension in a C(T) specimen of a ferritic steel under hydrogen charging is simulated by fully coupled diffusion and mechanical finite element analyses with ABAQUS and the results are compared with test results.

Abstract: SiC/h-BN nano-composites powder was synthesized using an in-situ reaction method and SiC/h-BN nano-composites were fabricated by hot-pressing. Damage resistance and R-curve behavior of machinable SiC/h-BN nano-composites was evaluated using the indentation- strength-in-bending technique and compared with that of SiC/h-BN micro-composites and monolithic SiC. The results showed that SiC/h-BN nano-composites have better damage resistance and R-curve behavior than SiC/h-BN micro-composites and monolithic SiC.

Abstract: Study compare R-curve behaviour of silicon nitride obtained using Vickers indented beam specimens and single edge V-notched beam (SEVNB). R-curve measurement realized by Vickers indented beam was reported by Krause. Crack growth using single edge V-notched beam was observed in situ. The indentation experiments, in comparison with SEVNB method revealed higher R-curve values (KR=3.3 – 4.8 MPa.m1/2). The discrepancy in the R-curve results is attributed to inaccuracy related to the determination of indentation toughness. The indentation fracture toughness may include the aspects of crack opening behaviour, residual indentation stress intensity.

Abstract: The relationship of KR versus crack length c (R curve) for Al2O3-30wt.% Ti(C,N).and for comparison alumina ceramics has been examined. The R-curve has been evaluated using pronounced long-crack formed during the three point bending (3PB) of the double edge notched beam. A combination of in situ microscopic crack growth observation and mechanical testing enabled measurement of crack growth resistance curves. The special device consisting of light microscope coupled with CCD camera, was fitted to Zwick 1446 testing machine. These observations reveal the existence of flat R-curve for Al2O3-30wt.% Ti(CN) and increasing R-curve for pure alumina. A study of slow-crack-growth (SCG) in tested materials was carried. The load-relaxation technique was used for observation at slow-crack-growth. The crack length was evaluated by linear-elastic analysis from the compliance of single-edge-notched specimen in three-point bending test. Parameters of stable crack growth n and logA, work-of fracture (WOF), stress intensity factor at the moment of crack initiation KI0 and maximum values of stress intensity factor KImax were determined. Mechanism of grain bridging responsible for occurrence of R-curve was observed by SEM and TEM.

Abstract: An R-curve formula for ultra high performance cementitious composites is derived in this paper. The fracture mechanics based on R-curve is used to predict the load-deflection relation of ultra high performance cementitious composites. The reductions of stress intensity factor and CTOD by steel fiber reinforcement are assumed as conforming linear distribution along crack propagation. The effective numbers of steel fiber on unit area based uniform distribution is used here. Results of the theoretical predictions show a good agreement with test results of three point bending beam of UHPCC. The modified R-curve formula for UHPCC can be a reference for future study of fracture performances of UHPCC.

Abstract: The objective of robust design is to optimize the mean of a given target variable and to minimize the variability that results from uncertainty represented by “noise” factors. A recent strategy for robust design is based on stochastic processes, which has resulted in a new design technique called “stochastic design improvement” (SDI). In this work a home-made procedure is presented, which is based on the SDI technique and which is illustrated with reference to a case study which aims to increase the residual strength of a cracked stiffened aluminum panel.

Abstract: This study pays attention to reveal the material properties that control resistance curve for ductile crack growth (CTOD-R curve) on the basis of the mechanism for ductile crack growth, so that the R-curve could be numerically predicted only from those properties. The crack growth tests using 3-point bend specimens with fatigue pre-crack were conducted for two steels that have different ductile crack growth resistance with almost the same CTOD level for crack initiation, whereas both steels have the same “Mechanical properties” in terms of strength and work hardenability. The observation of crack growth behaviors provided that different mechanisms between ductile crack initiations from fatigue pre-crack and subsequent growth process could be applied. It was found that two “Mechanical properties” associated with ductile damage of steel could mainly influence CTOD-R curve; one is a resistance of ductile crack initiation estimated with critical local strain for ductile cracking from the surface of notched specimen, and the other one is a dependence of stress triaxiality on ductility obtained with circumferentially notched round-bar specimens. The damage model for numerically simulating the R-curve was proposed taking the two “ductile properties” into account, where ductile crack initiation from crack-tip was in accordance with critical local strain based criterion, and subsequent crack growth GTN (Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman) based triaxiality dependent damage criterion. The proposed model accurately predicted the measured R-curve for the two steels used with the same “strength properties” through ductile crack initiation to growth.

Abstract: The progress of research efforts on the mechanical properties of ceramic laminates is reviewed. Laminates with weak interface are described with respect to their failure mode and the criterions to achieve graceful failure. For laminates with strong interfaces basic principles concerning the residual stresses and their influence on crack propagation are introduced. The implications for strength, indentation strength, strength distributions, macroscopic R-curves and threshold strength are discussed.

Abstract: Although porous ceramics are materials with high potential for helping conserve the environment, the characteristics of pore-related mechanical properties have not yet been examined sufficiently. The R-curve behavior of porous ceramics was estimated using the crack stabilizer technique developed by Nojima et al. Also, the critical frontal process zone (CFPZ) size for porous ceramics was estimated from the strength and fracture toughness of the materials used. The results revealed that the R-curve behavior was almost flat in porous ceramics, in contrast with a steeply rising R-curve behavior for porous silicon carbide observed previously, and that the CFPZ size of porous ceramics was larger than that of dense ceramics. A schematic explanation for the crack extension in porous materials was presented to discuss the R-curve behavior of porous ceramics.