Failure analysis of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets based on the extended GTN damage model

Based on the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman （GTN） model and Hill＇s quadratic anisotropic yield criterion, a combined experimental-numerical study on fracture initiation in the process of thermal stamping of Mg alloy AZ31 sheets was carried out. The aim is to predict the formability of thermal stamping of the Mg alloy sheets at different temperatures. The presented theoretical framework was implemented into a VUMAT subroutine for ABAQUS/EXPLICIT. Internal damage evolution due to void growth and coalescence developed at different temperatures in the Mg alloy sheets was observed by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. Moreover, the thermal effects on the void growth, coalescence, and fracture behavior of the Mg alloy sheets were analyzed by the extended GTN model and forming limit diagrams （FLD）. Parameters employed in the GTN model were determined from tensile tests and numerical iterative computation. The distribution of major and minor principal strains in the specimens was determined from the numerical results. Therefore, the corresponding forming limit diagrams at different stress levels and temperatures were drawn. The comparison between the predicted forming limits and the experimental data shows a good agreement.

Rotational failure analysis of spherical-cylindrical shell pressure controllers related to gas hydrate drilling investigations

In situ pressure-preserved coring(IPP-Coring)technology is considered one of the most efficient methods for assessing resources.However,seal failure caused by the rotation of pressure controllers greatly affects the success of pressure coring.In this paper,a novel spherical-cylindrical shell pressure controller was proposed.The finite element analysis model was used to analyze the stress distribution and deformation characteristics of the pressure controller at different rotation angles.The seal failure mechanism caused by the rotation of the pressure controller was discussed.The stress deviation rate was defined to quantitatively characterize the stress concentration.Based on the test equipment designed in this laboratory,the ultimate bearing strength of the pressure controller was tested.The results show that the rotation of the valve cover causes an increase in the deformation on its lower side.Furthermore,the specific sealing pressure in the weak zone is greatly reduced by a statistically significant amount,resulting in seal failure.When the valve cover rotates 5°around the major axis,the stress deviation rate is-92.6%.To prevent rotating failure of the pressure controller,it is necessary to control the rotation angle of the valve cover within 1°around the major axis.The results of this research can help engineers reduce failure-related accidents,provide countermeasures for pressure coring,and contribute to the exploration and evaluation of deep oil and gas resources.