Evaluation method of cracking resistance of lightweight aggregate concrete

The cracking behavior of lightweight aggregate concrete(LWAC) was investigated by mechanical analysis, SEM and cracking-resistant test where a shrinkage-restrained ring with a clapboard was used. The relationship between the ceramsite type and the cracking resistance of LWAC was built up and compared with that of normal-weight coarse aggregate concrete(NWAC). A new method was proposed to evaluate the cracking resistance of concrete, where the concepts of cracking coefficient ζt(t) and the evaluation index Acr(t) were proposed, and the development of micro-cracks and damage accumulation were recognized. For the concrete with an ascending cracking coefficient curve, the larger Acr(t) is, the lower cracking resistance of concrete is. For the concrete with a descending cracking coefficient curve, the larger Acr(t) is, the stronger the cracking resistance of concrete is. The evaluation results show that in the case of that all the three types of coarse aggregates in concrete are pre-soaked for 24 h, NWAC has the lowest cracking resistance, followed by the LWAC with lower water absorption capacity ceramsite and the LWAC with higher water absorption capacity ceramsite has the strongest cracking resistance. The proposed method has obvious advantages over the cracking age method, because it can evaluate the cracking behavior of concrete even if the concrete has not an observable crack.

Cracking Propagation of Hardening Concrete Based on the Extended Finite Element Method

Self-deformation cracking is the cracking caused by thermal deformation, autogenous volume deformation or shrinkage deformation. In this paper, an extended finite element calculation method was deduced for concrete crack propagation under a constant hydration and hardening condition during the construction period, and a corresponding programming code was developed. The experimental investigation shows that initial crack propagation caused by self-deformation loads can be analyzed by this program. This improved algorithm was a preliminary application of the XFEM to the problem of the concrete self-deformation cracking during the hydration and hardening period. However, room for improvement exists for this algorithm in terms of matching calculation programs with mass concrete temperature fields containing cooling pipes and the influence of creep or damage on crack propagation.

Cracking analysis of fracture mechanics by the finite element method of lines(FEMOL)

The Finite Element Method of Lines （FEMOL） is a semi-analytic approach and takes a position between FEM and analytic methods. First, FEMOL in Fracture Mechanics is presented in detail. Then, the method is applied to a set of examples such as edge-crack plate, the central-crack plate, the plate with cracks emanating from a hole under tensile or under combination loads of tensile and bending. Their dimensionless stress distribution, the stress intensify factor （SIF） and crack opening displacement （COD） are obtained, and comparison with known solutions by other methods are reported. It is found that a good accuracy is achieved by FEMOL. The method is successfully modified to remarkably increase the accuracy and reduce convergence difficulties. So it is a very useful and new tool in studying fracture mechanics problems.

Measuring internal residual stress in Al-Cu alloy forgings by crack compliance method with optimized parameters

Measuring the internal stress of Al alloy forgings accurately is critical for controlling the deformation during the subsequent machine process.In this work,the crack compliance method was used to calculate the internal residual stress of Al-Cu high strength alloys,and the effect of various model parameters of crack compliance method on the calculated precision was studied by combining the numerical simulation and experimental method.The results show that the precision first increased and then decreased with increasing the crack range.The decreased precision when using a high crack range was due to the strain fluctuation during the machining process,and the optimized crack range was 71%of the thickness of forgings.Low orders of Legendre polynomial can result in residual stress curve more smooth,while high orders led to the occurrence of distortion.The Tikhonov regularization method effectively suppressed the distortion of residual stress caused by the fluctuation of strain data,which significantly improved the precision.In addition,The crack compliance method with optimized parameters was used to measure the residual stress of Al-Cu alloy with different quenching methods.The calculated results demonstrated that the distribution of residual stress was obtained accurately.

Simulation of crack coalescence mechanism underneath single and double disc cutters by higher order displacement discontinuity method

The present research is focused on the numerical crack coalescence analysis of the micro-cracks and cracks produced during the cutting action of TBM disc cutters. The linear elastic fracture mechanics(LEFM) concepts and the maximum tangential stress criterion are used to investigate the micro crack propagation and its direction underneath the excavating discs. A higher order displacement discontinuity method with quadratic displacement discontinuity elements is used to estimate the stress intensity factors near the crack tips. Rock cutting mechanisms under single and double type discs are simulated by the proposed numerical method.The main purposes of the present modeling are to simulate the chip formation process of indented rocks by single and double discs.The effects of specific disc parameters(except speed) on the thrust force Ft, the rolling force Fr, and the specific energy ES are investigated. It has been shown that the specific energy(energy required to cut through a unit volume of rock) of the double disc is less than that of the single disc. Crack propagation in rocks under disc cutters is numerically modeled and the optimum ratio of disc spacing S to penetration depth Pd(i.e. S/Pd ratio) of about 10 is obtained, which is in good agreement with the theoretical and experimental results cited in the literature.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF STRESS-STRAIN DISTRIBUTIONS FOR WELD METAL SOLIDIFICATION CRACKING IN STAINLESS STEEL

This paper analyzed the characteristics of welding solidification crack of stainless steels,and clearly re- vealed the the of the deformation in the molten - the pool and the solidification shrinkage on the stress - strain fields in the trail of molten - weld pool.Moreover, rheologic properties of the alloys in solid - liquid zone were also obtained by measuring the hading and unloading deform curves of the steels.As a result, a numerical model for simulation of stress - strain distributions of welding solidifi- cation crack was developed. On the basis of the model,the thesis simulated the driving force of solidifi- cation crack of stainless steels, that is, stress - strain fields in the trail of molten-weld pool with fi- nite element method.

Evaluation of parameters affecting reflection cracking in geogrid-reinforced overlay

The influence of the most important parameters on the service life of reinforced asphalt overlay with geogrid materials in bending mode was examined by employing the Taguchi method and analysis of variance techniques. The objectives of this experiment was to investigate the effects of grid stiffness, tensile strength, coating type, amount of tack coat, overlay thickness, crack width and stiffnesses of asphalt overlay and existing asphalt concrete on propagation of the reflection cracking. Results indicate that the stiffnesses of cracked layer and overlay are the main significant factors that can directly improve the service life of an overlay against the reflection cracking. Generally, glass grid is more effective in reinforced overlay than polyester grid. Effect of crack width of the existing layer is significant when its magnitude increases from 6 to 9 mm.

Application of scaled boundary finite element method in static and dynamic fracture problems

The scaled boundary finite element method （SBFEM） is a recently developed numerical method combining advantages of both finite element methods （FEM） and boundary element methods （BEM） and with its own special features as well. One of the most prominent advantages is its capability of calculating stress intensity factors （SIFs） directly from the stress solutions whose singularities at crack tips are analytically represented. This advantage is taken in this study to model static and dynamic fracture problems. For static problems, a remeshing algorithm as simple as used in the BEM is developed while retaining the generality and flexibility of the FEM. Fully-automatic modelling of the mixed-mode crack propagation is then realised by combining the remeshing algorithm with a propagation criterion. For dynamic fracture problems, a newly developed series-increasing solution to the SBFEM governing equations in the frequency domain is applied to calculate dynamic SIFs. Three plane problems are modelled. The numerical results show that the SBFEM can accurately predict static and dynamic SIFs, cracking paths and load-displacement curves, using only a fraction of degrees of freedom generally needed by the traditional finite element methods.

STUDY ON THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE BODIES CONTAINING CRACKS USING THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD OF LINES

The three-dimensional finite element method of lines is presented, and the basic processing description of 3D FEMOL in cracking questions is given in detail. Applications to 3D bodies with cracks indicate that good accuracy can be obtained with relatively coarse girds. In particular, application to the tension specimen shows very good agreement with the evaluation of stress intensity factors, which is better than the results of other methods. This implies a considerable potential for using this method in the 3D analysis of finite geometry solids and suggests a possible extension of this technique to nonlinear material behavior.

A SELF-SIMILAR CRACK EXPANSION METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL CRACKS IN AN INFINITE OR SEMI-INFINITE MEDIUM

The Self-Similar Crack Expansion (SSCE) method is used to calculate stress intensity factors for three-dimensional cracks in an infinite medium or semi-infinite medium by the boundary integral element technique, whereby, the stress intensity factors at crack tips are determined by calculating the crack-opening displacements over the crack surface. For elements on the crack surface, regular integrals and singular integrals are precisely evaluated based on closed form expressions, which improves the accuracy. Examples shaw that this method yields very accurate results for stress intensity factors of penny-shaped cracks and elliptical cracks in the full space, with errors of less than 1% as compared with analytical solutions. The stress intensity factors of subsurface cracks ate in good agreement with other analytical solutions.

SELF-SIMILAR CRACK EXPANSION METHOD FOR THE STRESS INTENSITY FACTOR ANALYSIS

The Self-Similar Crack Expansion (SSCE) method is proposed to evaluate stress intensity factors at crack tips, whereby stress intensity factors of a crack can be determined by the crack opening displacement over the crack, not just by the local displacement around the crack tip. The crack expansion rate is estimated by taking advantage of the crack self-similarity. Therefore, the accuracy of the calculation is improved. The singular integrals on crack tip elements are also analyzed and are precisely evaluated in terms of a special integral analysis. Combination of these two techniques greatly increases the accuracy in estimating the stress distribution around the crack tip. A variety of two-dimensional cracks, such as subsurface cracks, edge cracks, and their interactions are calculated in terms of the self-similar expansion rate. Solutions are satisfied with errors less than 0.5% as compared with the analytical solutions. Based on the calculations of the crack interactions, a theory for crack interactions is proposed such that for a group of aligned cracks the summation of the square of SIFs at the right tips of cracks is always equal to that at the left tips of cracks. This theory was proved by the mehtod of Self-Similar Crack Expansion in this paper.

THE SOLUTION OF A CRACK EMANATING FROM AN ARBITRARY HOLE BY BOUNDARY COLLOCATION METHOD

In this paper a group of stress functions has been proposed for the calculation of a crack emanating from a hole with different shape (including circular, elliptical, rectangular, or rhombic hole) by boundary collocation method. The calculation results show that they coincide very well with the existing solutions by other methods for a circular or elliptical hole with a crack in an infinite plate. At the smae time, a series of results for different holes in a finite plate has also been obtained in this paper. The proposed functions and calculation procedure can be used for a plate of a crack emanating from an arbitrary hole.

Additive manufacturing of Ni-based superalloys: Residual stress, mechanisms of crack formation and strategies for crack inhibition

The additive manufacturing(AM)of Ni-based superalloys has attracted extensive interest from both academia and industry due to its unique capabilities to fabricate complex and high-performance components for use in high-end industrial systems.However,the intense temperature gradient induced by the rapid heating and cooling processes of AM can generate high levels of residual stress and metastable chemical and structural states,inevitably leading to severe metallurgical defects in Ni-based superalloys.Cracks are the greatest threat to these materials’integrity as they can rapidly propagate and thereby cause sudden and non-predictable failure.Consequently,there is a need for a deeper understanding of residual stress and cracking mechanisms in additively manufactured Ni-based superalloys and ways to potentially prevent cracking,as this knowledge will enable the wider application of these unique materials.To this end,this paper comprehensively reviews the residual stress and the various mechanisms of crack formation in Ni-based superalloys during AM.In addition,several common methods for inhibiting crack formation are presented to assist the research community to develop methods for the fabrication of crack-free additively manufactured components.

Evolution of cracks in the shear bands of granite residual soil

The evolution of shear bands and cracks plays an important role in landslides.However,there is no systematic method for classification of the cracks,which can be used to analyze the evolution of cracks in shear bands.In this study,X-ray computed tomography(CT)is used to observe the behavior of granite residual soil during a triaxial shear process.Based on the digital volume correlation(DVC)method,a crack classification method is established according to the connectivity characteristics of cracks before and after loading.Cracks are then divided into six classes:obsolete,brand-new,isolated,split,combined,and compound.With evolution of the shear bands,a large number of brand-new cracks accelerate the damages of materials at the mesoscale,resulting in a sharp decrease in strength.The volume of brandnew cracks increases rapidly with increasing axial strain,and their volume is greater than 50%when the strain reaches 12%,while the volume of compound cracks decreases from 54%to 21%.As cracks are the weakest areas in a material,brand-new cracks accelerate the development of shear bands.Finally,the coupling effect of shear bands and cracks destroys the soil strength.

3D random Voronoi grain-based models for simulation of brittle rock damage and fabric-guided micro-fracturing

A grain-based distinct element model featuring three-dimensional （3D） Voronoi tessellations （randompoly-crystals） is proposed for simulation of crack damage development in brittle rocks. The grainboundaries in poly-crystal structure produced by Voronoi tessellations can represent flaws in intact rockand allow for numerical replication of crack damage progression through initiation and propagation ofmicro-fractures along grain boundaries. The Voronoi modelling scheme has been used widely in the pastfor brittle fracture simulation of rock materials. However the difficulty of generating 3D Voronoi modelshas limited its application to two-dimensional （2D） codes. The proposed approach is implemented inNeper, an open-source engine for generation of 3D Voronoi grains, to generate block geometry files thatcan be read directly into 3DEC. A series of Unconfined Compressive Strength （UCS） tests are simulated in3DEC to verify the proposed methodology for 3D simulation of brittle fractures and to investigate therelationship between each micro-parameter and the model＇s macro-response. The possibility of numericalreplication of the classical U-shape strength curve for anisotropic rocks is also investigated innumerical UCS tests by using complex-shaped （elongated） grains that are cemented to one another alongtheir adjoining sides. A micro-parameter calibration procedure is established for 3D Voronoi models foraccurate replication of the mechanical behaviour of isotropic and anisotropic （containing a fabric） rocks. 2014 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Asymptotic and numerical study of a surface breaking crack subject to a transient thermal loading

An asymptotic algorithm is applied to the problem of a finite, thermo-elastic solid containing a surface breaking crack, when the exterior surface is subjected to oscillatory thermal loading. This algorithm involves the study of a model problem. An analytical and numerical study of this model problem of a thermo-elastic half space containing a surface breaking crack and subjected to oscillatory thermal loading is presented. The crack surface is traction free. In particular, the amplitude of the stress intensity factor at the crack vertex is found as a function of the crack depth and the frequency of thermal oscillation.

TRANSVERSE VIBRATION CHARACTERISTICS OF VISCOELASTIC RECTANGULAR PLATE WITH CRACK

Based on the two-dimensional viscoelastic differential constitutive relation and the thin plate theory, the differential equations of motion of the viscoelastic plate with an all-over part-through crack are established and the expression of additional rotation induced by the crack is derived. The complex eigenvalue equations of the viscoelastic plate with crack are derived by the differential quadrature method, and the 8method is used at the crack continuity conditions. Dimensionless complex frequencies of a crack viscoelastic plate with four edges simply supported, two opposite edges simply supported and other two edges clamped are calculated. The effects of the crack parameter, the aspect ratio and dimensionless delay time of the material on the transverse vibration of the viscoelastic plate are analyzed.

Incubation time fracture criterion for FEM simulations

The paper is discussing problems connected with embedment of the incubation time criterion for brittle fracture into finite element computational schemes. Incubation time fracture criterion is reviewed; practical questions of its numerical implementation are extensively discussed. Several examples of how the incubation time fracture criterion can be used as fracture condition in finite element computations are given. The examples include simulations of dynamic crack propagation and arrest, impact crater formation （i.e. fracture in initially intact media）, spall fracture in plates, propagation of cracks in pipelines. Applicability of the approach to model initiation, development and arrest of dynamic fracture is claimed.

Exact 3D Thermoelastic Solutions for a Penny-Shaped Crack in an Infinite Magnetoelectric Medium

Exact solutions of three-dimensional(3D)crack problems are much less in number than those of two-dimensional ones,especially for multi-field coupling media exhibiting a certain kind of material anisotropy.An exact3Dthermoelastic solution has been reported for a uniformly heated penny-shaped crack in an infinite magnetoelectric space,with impermeable electromagnetic conditions assumed on the crack faces.Exact 3Dsolutions for the penny-shaped crack subjected to uniform or point temperature load are further presented here when the crack faces are electrically and magnetically permeable.The solutions,obtained by the potential theory method,are exact in the sense that all field variables are explicitly derived and expressed in terms of elementary functions.Along with the previously reported solution,the limits or bounds of the stress intensity factor at the crack-tip for a practical crack can be identified.

ASYMPTOTIC ANALYSIS OF PLANE-STRAIN MODE I STEADY-STATE CRACK GROWTH IN TRANSFORMATION TOUGHENINGCERAMICS(Ⅱ)

Based on a constitutive law which includes the shear components oftransformation plasticity. the asymptotic solutions to near-tip fields of plane-strainmode I steadity propagating cracks in rransformed ceramics are obtained for the caseof linear isotropic hardening. The Stress singularity. the distributions of stresses andvelocities at the crack tip are determmed for various material parameters. The factorsinfluencing the near-tip fields are discussed in detail.