Documents published in Scipedia

• pyMesoscale: A friendly python library for generating 3D concrete mesoscale models based on the local background grid method

  F. Muhammad, S. Kolawale Adekunle

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  Mesoscale modeling of concrete and its composites has attracted a lot of researchers over the years with the promise of establishing an accurate relationship between the mesoscopic model and the macroscopic mechanical properties of concrete. The primary constraints inhibiting the widespread application of mesoscale modeling include (i) achieving high packing density with control over aggregate shape and gradation, (ii) high computational cost, (iii) accomplishing realistic interfacial transition zone, and (iv) implementing efficient aggregate intrusion detection. Besides these constraints, one major challenge is the lack of open program codes for algorithms implemented in published research papers. For example, improving, upgrading, and repurposing an existing algorithm by other researchers requires the open availability of the codes. The unavailability of these codes and the common absence of subtle implementation details in published papers hinder research progress on mesoscale modeling of concrete composites. This paper presents pyMesoscale, a Python library for generating 3D mesoscale models for concrete like composites. pyMesoscale implements the local background method, a highly effective mesoscale generation algorithm that offers a much better aggregate intrusion detection system and a high aggregate volume fraction. Developed with Python due to its smoother learning curve and beginner friendliness, pyMesoscale reduces implementation complexity for ease of use by both new and experienced researchers in the field. This paper offers the mathematical formulars and the detailed steps required to implement the generation of mesoscale geometric model of concrete and its derived mesoscale finite element model covering aggregate gradation and shape, random aggregate translation and aggregate intrusion detection.

  Abstract
  Mesoscale modeling of concrete and its composites has attracted a lot of researchers over the years with the promise of establishing an accurate relationship between the mesoscopic [...]

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• Modeling the quasi-brittle fracture of structural materials using a mixed stabilized two-field finite element formulation

  C. Guzmán, W. Morocho, S. Cáceres, E. Castillo

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  The fracture process zone (FPZ) is typically characterized as a small region around a crack where non-linear phenomena occur, such as plasticity. In brittle materials, this zone is small and can be safely neglected. However, in quasi-brittle materials, which exhibit a combination of brittle and ductile behavior rather than a clear manifestation of either, the material within the FPZ tends to damage and displays a softening curve after reaching peak load. This behavior is frequently observed in structural materials like concrete and timber, and it can be challenging to model. Traditionally, displacement-based irreducible finite element (FE) formulations have been widely used for simulating structural materials. However, this approach comes with significant drawbacks, such as mesh dependence and convergence problems, when applied to certain phenomena like softening, localization, and fracture. To address these challenges, various techniques have been employed, including extended FE methods and phase-field modeling. In this work, the utilization of a mixed FE formulation in which both displacement and strain serve as primary unknowns within the system, is proposed. To ensure satisfaction of the inf-sup condition, which is associated with saddle point stability in mixed formulations, we employ the variational multiscale method to introduce stabilizing terms into the system. The implementation is conducted using FEniCS, an open-source FE software that offers a high-level programming interface written in Python. The implementation is validated by comparing the obtained results with those reported in the literature for bending test in notched specimens. The results demonstrate remarkably good performance in terms of maximum load, softening curve, and structural size effect in various specimens, exhibiting minimal mesh dependence even when using low-order interpolation elements

  Abstract
  The fracture process zone (FPZ) is typically characterized as a small region around a crack where non-linear phenomena occur, such as plasticity. In brittle materials, this [...]

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• Calibration of damage parameters of super high-rise frame-core structural subsystem under torsional ground motion

  Z. Guo, Y. Ma, Z. He

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  To clarify the dynamic characteristics of the structure under torsional seismic excitation, a macroscopic dynamic model of the structure and simplified hysteretic models of each sub-system were established through theoretical derivation, and the accuracy of the models was verified using finite element models. To determine the design parameters of the hysteretic models for each sub-system, a multi-objective seismic optimization approach considering both structural cost and overall torsional damage was proposed. Through multi-objective optimization based on torsional overturning analysis, the design parameters of each sub-system were successfully determined. The results indicate that the outrigger truss sub-system plays a significant role in controlling the overall torsional behavior of the structure.

  Abstract
  To clarify the dynamic characteristics of the structure under torsional seismic excitation, a macroscopic dynamic model of the structure and simplified hysteretic models of [...]

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• Synergistic effects of environmental deterioration on fatigue and flexure properties of glass fiber reinforced polymeric (GFRP) composites : a multiscale and multiphysics model.

  Z. Li, M. Lepech

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  This study aims to simulate synergistic UV & moisture deterioration and demonstrate its role in changing the residual fatigue and flexure strength in architectural GFRP composite material. This study develops an experimentally validated 3D Multiphysics model at a structural level and gets this homogenization-based model to identify the degradation mechanisms observed in the experimental data. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to investigate the effect of mesh density on the accuracy of functions homogenized from micromechanical models. In addition, this macroscale model also quantifies how these degradation mechanisms weaken the strength and durability of environmentally aged composite materials. The aging-fatigue-bend macroscale model assumes that the degradation-induced damage field is concentrated within a depth to the plate surface. According to the computational results, the degradation process caused by the combined effect of UV and moisture exposure involves the removal of polymeric matter from the exposed surface. In other words, the degradation mechanism of UV exposure involves both the chemical alteration and mechanical damage of polymeric matter, primarily located at the exposed surface. This model can be incorporated into many commercial finite element codes for a sustainability study of composite structures/systems. In future work, the models developed in this study will be combined with life cycle assessment (LCA) tools to support better sustainability-focused new material design, thus reducing costs and environmental impacts in the built environment.

  Abstract
  This study aims to simulate synergistic UV & moisture deterioration and demonstrate its role in changing the residual fatigue and flexure strength in architectural GFRP composite [...]

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• Algebraic Flux Correction for Equi-dimensional Transport Problems in Porous Fractured Media

  M. nestola, M. Favino

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  We present a simple finite element framework which enables numerical simulations of transport problems in fractured porous media based on equi-dimensional models, i.e., models where fractures are considered heterogeneities of the same geometrical dimension as the embedding background. The two main ingredients of the proposed framework are an adaptive mesh refinement strategy, and an algebraic flux correction stabilization. The proposed finite-element method for equi-dimensional models is inherently simple and can be easily implemented in any common simulation software, as it does not require the complicated management of different meshes and discretizations, which are necessary for numerical simulations based on hybrid-dimensional models, i.e., models where fractures are considered as heterogeneities of a lower geometrical dimension than the embedding background. Actually, our equi-dimensional approach provides a strategy to validate hybrid-dimensional models. Our adaptive approach is inherently conservative and naturally reduces the discretization error which, for problems with heterogeneities, is concentrated at the interfaces.

  Abstract
  We present a simple finite element framework which enables numerical simulations of transport problems in fractured porous media based on equi-dimensional models, i.e., models [...]

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• Computational modeling of cutting disc-rock interaction in mixed ground conditions

  S. Butt, G. Meschke

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  This paper presents the performance of a simulation tool based on state-based peridynamic theory, developed to model the interaction between cutting discs of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and the ground being excavated. Compared to existing TBM performance prediction models, the current computational approach accounts for mixed ground conditions, different TBM and disc designs, as well as the direct coupling with wear models. The developed peridynamic model is thoroughly validated using several benchmarks, including indentation tests on sandstone specimens. Additionally, a full-scale Linear Cutting Machine (LCM) test conducted on Colorado Red granite is simulated, where cutting forces obtained from the computational model at various disc spacings are compared against experimental data. Excavation in mixed ground conditions, which can lead to excessive tool wear or failure due to rapidly changing cutting forces, was examined through an LCM experiment. Scaled-down peridynamic simulations show cutting force trends consistent with the LCM experiment results. Finally, to predict the influence of these varying cutting forces on tool life, an abrasive wear model is implemented in the peridynamic simulation framework.

  Abstract
  This paper presents the performance of a simulation tool based on state-based peridynamic theory, developed to model the interaction between cutting discs of a Tunnel Boring [...]

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• An improved hybrid computational mechanics framework for composite damage modelling and simulation

  H. Liu, G. Qi, I. Kim, D. Wowk

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  In this study, an integrated modeling framework is proposed, combining continuum damage modeling (CDM), the extended finite element method (X-FEM), and the cohesive zone modeling (CZM) techniques, to model the progressive failure of fibre-reinforced composite laminates. This modeling framework has the capability to efficiently capture fibre failure, matrix cracking, and interlaminar delamination. The Schapery theory (to address polymer matrix viscoelastic behavior) is also incorporated to accurately simulate the pre-peak nonlinearity of the load-bearing response due to matrix microcracking. The proposed hybrid model is developed and implemented using Abaqus with user-defined subroutines. A multidirectional composite laminate with an open-hole notch configuration under tension (OHT) is examined as a case study. The simulation results are compared with the physical experiments in the open literature. The proposed framework represents a practical paradigm, which not only drastically reduces the pre-processing workload to build a physics-based highfidelity damage model, but also largely decreases the computational cost

  Abstract
  In this study, an integrated modeling framework is proposed, combining continuum damage modeling (CDM), the extended finite element method (X-FEM), and the cohesive zone modeling [...]

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• Multiscale modeling of hydrogen transport in steels and its resulting embrittlement effect

  X. Gao, G. Rao, C. Huang

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  A multiscale modeling approach is adopted in this study to understand the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) mechanisms and to predict failure of engineering components under the influence of hydrogen environment. Molecular dynamics simulations of the bodycentered cubic (BCC) iron are conducted to examine the theories of hydrogen enhanced localized plasticity (HELP) and hydrogen enhanced decohesion (HEDE). It is shown that hydrogen aggregation at the crack tip and along grain boundary (GB) reduces the surface energy for creating new crack surfaces, leading to changes in fracture modes caused by preemptive crack propagation. At the continuum level, a numerical framework is developed, which incorporates hydrogen transport in steels and the resulting HELP and HEDE mechanisms into a finite element phase field model to predict crack initiation and propagation in engineering components. As an example, a compact tension (CT) specimen made of a pipeline steel is analyzed. The numerical model captures the phenomenon of hydrogen aggregation occurring proximal to the crack tip driven by the high gradient of hydrostatic stress and large plastic deformation in this region. The resultant hydrogen concentration elicits an interplay of HELP and HEDE effects and reduces the specimen’s load carrying capacity. With properly chosen model parameters, the numerical model has the potential of serving as tool for predicting crack propagation and ductile to brittle transition due to the presence of hydrogen.

  Abstract
  A multiscale modeling approach is adopted in this study to understand the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) mechanisms and to predict failure of engineering components under the [...]

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• Critical planes analysis of the impact of porosities on the fatigue of metal solids

  F. Fauvin, E. Feulvarch, G. Debono

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  In this work, we take interest in the impact of defects present in metal solids manufactured by material fusion or by additive manufacturing on their fatigue life during cyclic loading. Indeed, we observe a more or less strong local plasticity around the defects even if the stresses remain below the elastic limit, which can strongly impact the fatigue life of such solids. In the case of a part obtained by steel casting, it is the retassures that make the part most vulnerable. In the case of solids obtained by additive manufacturing, the most damaging defects are surface roughness and porosities linked to a lack of fusion. In order to estimate the fatigue life of such solids, it is necessary to observe the states of stress and strain around the defects during a cycle. As stress levels can be relatively high locally, critical plane type criteria are relevant for estimating the fatigue life of such solids. In order to carry out a fatigue analysis of a part obtained by steel casting or by additive manufacturing, we propose to model it by finite elements, with a refinement of the elements around the porosities, then to calculate the local stress and strain states, and finally to implement a critical plane type criterion, like the Fatemi-Socie criterion. The critical planes are the planes on which the maximal shear strain amplitudes occur. The local stress and strain states can be highly multi-axial. So the determination of the critical planes can be very computationally and storage consuming. In the present work, an analysis in the space of deviators of the deformation tensor makes possible determination of such planes in each of the numerous nodes of the mesh. These three steps of calculation, correlated with experimental tests, makes it possible to envisage obtaining fatigue life laws for numerous metallic materials presenting defects.

  Abstract
  In this work, we take interest in the impact of defects present in metal solids manufactured by material fusion or by additive manufacturing on their fatigue life during cyclic [...]

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• Semi-analytical failure prediction of adhesive joints by Finite Fracture Mechanics

  T. Methfessel, C. El Yaakoubi-Mesbah, W. Becker

  WCCM2024.

  
  

  Abstract

  The current contribution suggests a semi-analytical structural model for an adhesive joint with a closed-form higher-order description of the adhesive layer and the potential occurrence of a debonding crack. This enables a highly efficient failure prediction by the concept of Finite Fracture Mechanics, employing a coupled failure criterion that consists of a stress and an energy subcriterion. The comparison with accompanying finite element calculations and experimental findings demonstrates the high predictive quality of this approach

  Abstract
  The current contribution suggests a semi-analytical structural model for an adhesive joint with a closed-form higher-order description of the adhesive layer and the potential [...]

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