Key Engineering Materials Vols. 452-453

Abstract: A method for the parametric generation of the transversal cross-section microstructure model of unidirectional long-fiber reinforced composite (LFRC) is presented in this paper. Meanwhile, both the random distribution of the fibers and high fiber volume fraction are considered in the algorithm. The fiber distribution in the cross-section is generated through random movements of the fibers from their initial regular square arrangement. Furthermore, cohesive zone element is introduced into modeling the interphase between the fiber and the matrix. All these processes are carried out by the secondary development of the finite element codes (ABAQUS) via Python language programming. Based on the model generated, micromechanical finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to predict the damage initiation and subsequent evolution of the composites. The results show that this technique is capable of capturing the random distribution nature of these composites even for high fiber volume fraction. Moreover, the results prove that a good agreement with the experimental results is found.

Abstract: The results of an experimental study concerning the behavior of concretes made with recycled aggregates under repeated mechanical and thermal actions are presented. A comparison with the performances achieved by similar concretes made with traditional aggregates in the same working conditions eventually made it possible to estimate the actual quality and durability of the recycled concretes examined and identify possible limitations in their use. The laboratory protocol here adopted is suggested as a practical experimental procedure to test hardened concretes and pre-qualify their performances with respect to compressive actions and thermal solicitations.

Abstract: An experimental analysis on a set of strengthened masonry walls has been carried out by means of cyclic loading tests in order to simulate the creep effects. Laboratory tests were carried out at the Non-Destructive Testing Laboratory of the Politecnico di Torino: ad hoc brickwork specimens were manufactured and reinforced by FRP and strengthening mortar. The main goal of this experimental work is to demonstrate that in the choice of the masonry reinforcement is important to value not only the increment of the ultimate strength of the material reinforced, but also its response and durability in term of long-term action, called as creep phenomenon.

Abstract: The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation conducted on bricks. Prism-shaped specimens were produced. Laboratory tests were carried out at the Non-Destructive Testing Laboratory of the Politecnico di Torino. They were subjected to static compressive tests for the determination of their mechanical properties and cyclic compressive tests for the analysis of their fatigue behaviour. The aim of this work is to apply a failure criterion based on the observation of the static and cyclic curves to estimate the fatigue life and the long-term behaviour of the brick. Subsequently, it will be possible to give a relation between the static-displacement and cyclic-displacement of the material tested.

Abstract: Concrete is multi-phase composites. Due to the inhomogeneity of mechanical properties and complexity of physical properties, constitutive relations of concrete are more complicated. Starting from irreversible thermodynamics theory, internal state variable theory and nonlocal field theory, non-local damage constitutive model of concrete under freeze-thaw action is established in this paper. In the model, non-local influence functions are discussed which are used to describe interplay of damage between adjacent point.

Abstract: Natural fibers of plant origin are finding non-traditional applications as reinforcement of composite materials. The mechanical properties of fibers exhibit considerable scatter, being affected by the natural variability in plant as well as the damage accumulated during processing. For bast fibers, the primary damage mode is kink bands – zones of misaligned cellulose microfibrils extending across the fiber and oriented roughly perpendicularly to its axis. Another feature typical for natural fibers and contributing to the scatter of fiber strength is the variability of diameter along a fiber length and among the fibers. An analytical expression for the distribution of the longitudinal tensile strength of bast fibers has been derived, accounting for the strength variability of intact fibers and the effect of kink bands. Upon determining the relevant parameters from fiber damage and geometry characteristics by means of optical microscopy, the theoretical strength distribution function has been found to agree reasonably well with the test results of elementary flax fibers.

Abstract: An elastic-viscoplastic constitutive mode was adopted to analyze asymptotically the tip field of a mode I quasi-statically propagating crack in rate-sensitive materials under plane stress condition. Under the assumption that the viscosity coefficient is a power law function of the rate of effective plastic strain, it was obtained through dimension match that the crack tip field possesses power law singularity. And the singularity exponent is uniquely determined by the power law exponent in the supposed viscosity coefficient. The elasticity, plasticity and viscosity of material at crack-tip only can be matched reasonably under linear-hardening condition. Variations of crack tip field characters according to each material parameter were discussed by means of numerical computation. The stress intensity is dominated by the material viscosity whereas the hardening coefficient has less significant influence on tip field. Furthermore, the solution can be transformed to the elastic-nonlinear-viscous one of Hui and Riedel if the limit case of zero hardening coefficient is considered.

Abstract: Considering the SD effect, the parabolic-type yield criterion is obtained by using a new parameter. And by analogy with associated plastic flow rule, the ceramic phase transformation constitutive model is established. Under plane strain condition, the theoretical toughening expressions of mixed-mode I-II stationary cracks and steady-state growing cracks are developed by applying the weight function method. And the toughening effect is discussed under the influence of Poisson ratio, parameter and . The simulation results show that these phase transformation toughening effects are in good agreement with experimental results. And comparing with other yield criterions, it is more in line with actual characteristics of zirconia ceramic materials, when the expression of mixed I-II crack is reduced to mode I crack. And it also could provide theoretical support and reference for the further research of ceramic phase transformation toughening.

Abstract: Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) is widely used and plays an important role in various engineering fields due to its special characteristics of shape memory effect and super-elasticity. In this paper the phase transformation behavior and thermo-mechanics behavior of 50.0at%Ni-Ti SMA are investigated though differential scanning colorimeter (DSC) and tensional tests respectively. Optical micrographs show the transformation of austenite and twinned martensite. The comparing numerical calculation result with tensional test result shows the new macro-mechanical constitutive equation can express the thermo-mechanical behavior of SMA effectively.

Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDC) cutters are widely used in oil and gas well drilling and a different format of the same material is also used in high speed turning. During the cutting process these tools experience very high temperatures and impact loads which lead to their sudden fracture. In this work the mechanical and fracture properties of two different grades of PCD test specimens, i.e. the Young’s modulus and fracture toughness, are measured under a range of test conditions such as temperature and loading rate, which correspond to the actual drilling conditions. The fracture is found to propagate in a highly dynamic manner, where the results show the examined properties of PCD specimens to vary with the loading rate and temperature. The study performed leads to a greater understanding of PCD behaviour, and aims to provide guidance for improved material design.