Papers by Keyword: Structure-Property Relationship

Abstract: The evolution of the deformation structure with strain has been studied using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Samples from interrupted uniaxial tensile tests and from a cyclic tension/compression test were investigated. The evolution of low angle boundaries (LABs) was studied using boundary maps and by measuring the LAB density. From calculations of local misorientations, smaller orientation changes in the substructure can be illustrated. The different orientations developed with strain within a grain, due to operation of different slip systems in different parts of the grain, were studied using a misorientation profile showing substantial orientation changes after a true strain of 0.24. The texture evolution with increasing strain was followed by using inverse pole figures (IPFs). The observed substructure development in the ferritic and austenitic phases could be successfully correlated with the stress-strain curve from a tensile test. LABs were first observed in the different phases when the strain hardening rate changed in appearance indicating that cross slip started to operate as a significant dislocation recovery mechanism. The evolution of the deformation structure is concluded to occur in a similar manner in the austenitic and ferritic phases but with different texture evolution for the two phases.

Abstract: The numerical simulation of biocomposites consisting of zirconia-based ceramics and cortical bone was performed with the use of a multilevel approach. The mechanical properties of the ceramic biocomposite were determined. The evolution of mesoscopic stress distributions in the biocomposite components during the process of its deformation was investigated, taking into account damage accumulation up to the fulfillment of the macro strength criterion. It is shown that damage accumulation has an impact on the stress distribution laws at the mesoscopic level, which is manifested through the appearance of a threshold for the stress distribution, as well as through a significant decrease in the distribution amplitude.

Abstract: We have employed molecular dynamics simulations to study the behavior of virtual polymeric materials under an applied uniaxial tensile load. Through computer simulations, one can obtain experimentally inaccessible information about phenomena taking place at the molecular and microscopic levels. Not only can the global material response be monitored and characterized along time, but the response of macromolecular chains can be followed independently if desired. The computer-generated materials were created by emulating the step-wise polymerization, resulting in self-avoiding chains in 3D with controlled degree of orientation along a certain axis. These materials represent a simplified model of the lamellar structure of semi-crystalline polymers, being comprised of an amorphous region surrounded by two crystalline lamellar regions. For the simulations, a series of materials were created, varying i) the lamella thickness, ii) the amorphous region thickness, iii) the preferential chain orientation, and iv) the degree of packing of the amorphous region. Simulation results indicate that the lamella thickness has the strongest influence on the mechanical properties of the lamella-amorphous structure, which is in agreement with experimental data. The other morphological parameters also affect the mechanical response, but to a smaller degree. This research follows previous simulation work on the crack formation and propagation phenomena, deformation mechanisms at the nanoscale, and the influence of the loading conditions on the material response. Computer simulations can improve the fundamental understanding about the phenomena responsible for the behavior of polymeric materials, and will eventually lead to the design of knowledge-based materials with improved properties.

Abstract: A micromechanics-based approach using a self-consistent scheme based on the double-inclusion model is adopted to develop a pertinent model for describing the viscoelastic response of polymer/clay nanocomposites. The relationship between the intercalated nanostructure and the effective nanocomposite stiffness is constructed using an equivalent stiffness method in which the clay stacks are replaced by homogeneous nanoparticles with predetermined equivalent anisotropic stiffness. The capabilities of the proposed micromechanics-based model are checked by comparing with the experimental viscoelastic (glassy to rubbery) response of two polyamide-6-based nanocomposite systems reinforced with a modified montmorillonite clay (Cloisite 30B) and an unmodified sodium montmorillonite clay (Cloisite Na⁺), favoring, respectively, exfoliation and intercalation states.