Key Engineering Materials Vols. 488-489

Abstract: A mechanical model of the visco-elastic compressible material is established in order to investigate the viscous effect in quasi-static growing crack-tip field. The constitutive equations on the visco-elastic compressible material are deducted. Through asymptotic analysis, it is shown that in the stable creep growing stage, the elastic-deformation and the visco-deformation are equally dominant in the near-tip field, as r^-1/(n-1). The asymptotic solutions of separative variable in the crack-tip field are aslo obtained. According to numerical calculation, the curves of stress, stain and displacement are given. The results indicate that the near-tip fields are mainly governed by the creep exponent ; the stress fields of mode I and mode II is slightly affected by the elastic compressible deformation; the strain and displacement fields of mode I are deeply affected by the elastic compressible deformation. However, the strain and displacement fields of mode II are less affected by the elastic compressible deformation. The asymptotic solutions of dynamic growing crack-tip field gained here can conveniently degenerate the incompressible case, when the Poisson ratio , named as HR field. The conclusions can provide the references for further studying the dynamic growing crack-tip field in compressible material.

Abstract: The aim of this work is to investigate the fatigue behaviors of the steel honeycomb sandwich beams at 400°C through three point bending experiments. A stiffness reduction approach was adopted which was further based on the interpolation by the empirical functions of experimental results. For load control fatigue experiments, the evolution relations between number of cycles and displacement were obtained through real-time deformation monitoring of the specimens. A method based on exponential function fit was adopted in the further analysis, whose coefficients depended on the material properties, loading levels and high temperature conditions. This approach allowed us to predict the high temperature fatigue life of specimens while avoiding a large number of experiments. The results showed that experimental and prediction results were in a good agreement.

Abstract: To solve the problem of equivalent functions of failure mode and low computational efficiency, the coefficient expression of equivalent functions has been derived based on equivalent principle. The concept of multiple correlation was introduced to the reliability analysis of failure mode , the correlation problem between several components and a component has been explained rationally. The display recursive expression of equivalent functions involved two-dimensional integral computation has been given. The high calculation accuracy and efficiency of solving recursive equivalent functions has been indicated according to numerical results.

Abstract: The influence of crack defects on the ultimate strength of stiffened plate is analyzed, and reliability calculation and sensitivity analysis expressions of stiffened plate elements are given in this paper. An approach to sensitivity analysis for the global reliability index are proposed for the structure system which consists of stiffened plate elements with crack defects, providing the base for analyzing the contribution of design variables to the system reliability and seeking conveniently weak elements which reduce the reliability index of structure system. Finally, the validity of the approach is verified by taking a numerical example of a cabin section of the ship structure. The approach proposed in this paper provides an applicable reference for the safe design and maintenance of structure system.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the shear bond strength of a steel-concrete joint using an epoxy adhesive interlayer, push-out tests were carried out. The test samples consisted of two sandblasted steel plates and a self-compacting concrete sample, with the epoxy layer applied on the steel plates and gritted with granulates. During testing, an external force was applied to the concrete core and continuously recorded. To investigate the failure mechanism in detail, a fracture mechanics approach is required. In this paper theoretical-numerical assessment of the push-out test is performed. Regarding the finite element calculations, the locations suitable for failure initiation match bi-material (steel-concrete) notches. The most dangerous locations are evaluated from a generalized linear elastic fracture mechanics point of view. The critical load corresponding to the conditions of failure initiation is estimated and compared with the experimental results.

Abstract: Steel-concrete joints can suffer from premature fail due to inadequate shear bond between the two surfaces. In this paper the shear bond strength between steel and self-compacting concrete (SCC) without mechanical shear connectors is evaluated through push-out tests. The test samples consist of two sandblasted steel plates (10 and 6 mm) and a concrete core, with connection between steel and concrete obtained by a 2-component epoxy resin, gritted with granulates. During the tests, the ultimate shear force is recorded as well as the slip between steel and concrete. All test members exhibited a concrete - adhesive failure, and indicate nominal shear bond stresses between 2.20 and 4.22 MPa. In addition, a substantial difference in measured shear bond stresses is found between the 6 and 10 mm steel plates, indicating unwanted secondary effects with the 6 mm plates. During testing, maximum slip values between 0.02 and 0.05 mm are recorded. In addition to the experimental tests, shear stress distribution in the epoxy – concrete interface is examined by finite element analysis (FEA). In this way, a non-uniform stress distribution between steel and concrete is found with the maximum shear value about 2.5 times higher than the nominal shear stress value. The FEA combined with the experimental results provide a reasonable understanding of the shear induced failure conditions at a steel-concrete joint, and create test data for a fracture mechanics approach.

Abstract: Objectives: Numerical stress intensity factors (SIFs) computation for several fabrication defect geometries in coronary stents. XFEM crack initiation and propagation was also performed. Methods: The model represents a self-expandable coronary stent, made from a shape memory alloy (L-605). Several flaw shapes are considered. The analysis was performed using the ABAQUS code. The loads and boundary conditions simulate the interaction between the blood vessels and stents, immediately after the angioplasty was performed. The mesh contains 3d stress hexahedral elements. For global stress and strain distributions, the model of a complete stent was used. For crack propagation analysis and SIF determination, the model represented a single segment of the stent. The stress intensity factors were computed using the contour integral method. Results and conclusions: The stress and strain fields highlight the negative effects of crack initiation and propagation on the residual life of the stent. Furthermore, by compromising the structural integrity of the stent, large strains may occur, thus increasing the risk of restenosis and further stenosis-related complications. The stress intensity factors indicate the most dangerous locations for the flaws (cracks), as well as the most dangerous geometries.

Abstract: Objectives: Numerical determinations of Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) for a shaft under mixed-mode load with a crack of different sizes in the connection zone between square and circular cross-sections. Methods: Linear-elastic Fracture Mechanics principles are used. The numerical analysis program used was ABAQUS CAE version 6.9-3. The shaft consists in a circular section and a square section, with a fillet connecting zone. Cracks of different lengths and different depths are modeled. The shaft is subjected to torsion and bending. The SIFs were determined using the contour integral method. Results: The stress distribution was determined and plotted, and the stress concentration effect of the notches was highlighted. Crack propagation was also performed, using the XFEM module of ABAQUS code. The computed SIFs were plotted along the crack front. Conclusions: Crack initiation and propagation matched the pattern obtained in experimental tests, thus validating the model. The results confirmed that the fillet zone between the two sections acts as a stress concentrator. The fillet radius determines the magnitude of stress concentration. Crack geometry has a significant influence on SIFs, as well as on the global stress distribution.

Abstract: For designing machines and devices the dimensioning with respect to service life is increasingly taken into account. This applies also for gearing which are still today one of very important components of almost all machines. The problem of determination of the service life of gearing is directly related to geometry of gears, multiaxial loadings, materials and appropriate models for prediction of the crack propagation. Obviously gears and gearing belong to the real complex structure, by correctly selected and carefully planned experiments we obtained results with which we can confirm and justified the mathematical model for calculating different parameters, i.e. service life.

Abstract: Load-rate sensitivity of material is important in impact and other dynamic loadings. It is assumed that the strain-rate sensitivity is not a material property but comes out naturally from dynamic equilibrium equations. Material is assumed non-linear, similar as used in the microplane model for quasi-brittle materials, and viscoelastic arranged into Kelvin scheme. The scheme is the simplest possible and consists of two Kelvin bars in series with an optional mass between them (Maxwell bars are considered in our previous paper). Loading is uniaxial tension with changing intensity in time, asymptotic or harmonic. The resulting differential equation (equations when a mass is present) is non-linear and stiff. Equations have been solved numerically using adaptive and Radau integration. For equal parameters nonsymmetrical (together with symmetrical) results could be obtained, meaning localization is possible without the localization initiator. System response is strongly influenced with the presence of a mass. Phase diagram show that some combination of parameters and loading demonstrate chaotic behavior.