Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Metals and Metal Matrix Composites: A Local-Global Investigation
Abstract
A computational investigation of the fracture mechanics of metals and metal matrix composites has been carried out. The ductile fracture of structural alloys was analyzed through a two dimensional non-linear finite element approach, while the mechanics of load transfer in silicon carbide (SCS-6) fiber reinforced titanium alloy (Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn) were studied using a local-global finite element analysis procedure. The computed values of the J-Integral for compact tension specimens of steel and aluminum alloys (0.533 < or - a/W < or - 0.884) remain path independent up to a certain load which is attributed to crack initiation, and then diverge. There is a unique signature of the strain energy density (dW/dV) ahead of the crack in the O deg direction: the strain energy first decreases, reaches a minimum and then increases with increasing distance from the crack tip. The minimum strain energy shows a unique dependence on the applied load. This leads to the prediction of the fracture loads for the cracked specimens. A novel coordinate system rotation was employed in extracting the boundary conditions from the two-dimensional global model to the three- dimensional local model for the local-global finite element analysis of the unidirectional composite.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA256782
Entities
People
- M. B. House
- R. B. Bhagat
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University