Particle Discontinuous Deformation Analysis of Static and Dynamic Crack Propagation in Brittle Material

Crack propagation in brittle material is not only crucial for structural safety evaluation,but also has a wideranging impact on material design,damage assessment,resource extraction,and scientific research.A thorough investigation into the behavior of crack propagation contributes to a better understanding and control of the properties of brittle materials,thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of both materials and structures.As an implicit discrete elementmethod,the Discontinuous Deformation Analysis(DDA)has gained significant attention for its developments and applications in recent years.Among these developments,the particle DDA equipped with the bonded particle model is a powerful tool for predicting the whole process of material from continuity to failure.The primary objective of this research is to develop and utilize the particle DDAtomodel and understand the complex behavior of cracks in brittle materials under both static and dynamic loadings.The particle DDA is applied to several classical crack propagation problems,including the crack branching,compact tensile test,Kalthoff impact experiment,and tensile test of a rectangular plate with a hole.The evolutions of cracks under various stress or geometrical conditions are carefully investigated.The simulated results are compared with the experiments and other numerical results.It is found that the crack propagation patterns,including crack branching and the formation of secondary cracks,can be well reproduced.The results show that the particle DDA is a qualified method for crack propagation problems,providing valuable insights into the fracture mechanism of brittle materials.

High-efficiently doping nitrogen in kapok fiber-derived hard carbon used as anode materials for boosting rate performance of sodium-ion batteries

The engineering of plant-based precursor for nitrogen doping has become one of the most promising strategies to enhance rate capability of hard carbon materials for sodium-ion batteries;however,the poor rate performance is mainly caused by lack of pyridine nitrogen,which often tends to escape because of high temperature in preparation process of hard carbon.In this paper,a high-rate kapok fiber-derived hard carbon is fabricated by cross-linking carboxyl group in 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid with the exposed hydroxyl group on alkalized kapok with assistance of zinc chloride.Specially,a high nitrogen doping content of 4.24%is achieved,most of which are pyridine nitrogen;this is crucial for improving the defect sites and electronic conductivity of hard carbon.The optimized carbon with feature of high nitrogen content,abundant functional groups,degree of disorder,and large layer spacing exhibits high capacity of 401.7 mAh g^(−1)at a current density of 0.05 A g^(−1),and more importantly,good rate performance,for example,even at the current density of 2 A g^(−1),a specific capacity of 159.5 mAh g^(−1)can be obtained.These findings make plant-based hard carbon a promising candidate for commercial application of sodium-ion batteries,achieving high-rate performance with the enhanced pre-cross-linking interaction between plant precursors and dopants to optimize aromatization process by auxiliary pyrolysis.

APPLICATION OF DIAMOND TWIST DRILL FOR DRILLING HARD-BRITTLE MATERIALS

A new conception, which combines the advantages of both twist drill and diamond grit, is proposed to develop a new tool for drilling hard brittle materials. The manufacturing process of the drill is introduced, and drilling experiments are carried out by using of the drill developed. As a result, not only it can drill holes with a high efficiency, but also a good quality of hole inlet and outlet can be obtained for such materials as glasses, marble, granite, Al 2O 3, etc. The prospect in practical application of the technique developed is also discussed.

Experimental study on 3D internal penny-shaped crack propagation in brittle materials under uniaxial compression

Fractures are widely present in geomaterials of civil engineering and deep underground engineering.Given that geomaterials are usually brittle,the fractures can significantly affect the evaluation of underground engineering construction safety and the early warning of rock failure.However,the crack initiation and propagation in brittle materials under composite loading remain unknown so far.In this study,a three-dimensional internal laser-engraved cracking technique was applied to produce internal cracks without causing damage to the surfaces.The uniaxial compression tests were performed on a brittle material with internal cracks to investigate the propagation of these internal cracks at different dip angles under compression and shear.The test results show that the wing crack propagation mainly occurs in the specimen with an inclined internal crack,which is a mixed-ModeⅠ–Ⅱ–Ⅲfracture;in contrast,ModeⅠfracture is present in the specimen with a vertical internal crack.The fractography characteristics of ModeⅢfracture display a lance-like pattern.The fracture mechanism in the brittle material under compression is that the internal wing cracks propagate to the ends of the whole sample and cause the final failure.The initial deflection angle of the wing crack is determined by the participation ratio of stress intensity factors KII to KI at the tip of the internal crack.

Research on Ultrasonic Vibration Grinding of the Hard and Brittle Materials

It is well known that grinding techniques are main methods to machine hard and brittle materials such as engineering ceramics. But the conventional grinding has many shortcomings such as poorer surface finish, quicker wear and tear of grinding tools, lower efficiency and so on. Ultrasonic vibration grinding （UVG） which combines ultrasonic machining and grinding emerged as a developing and promising technique in recent years. In this paper, experimental studies on UVG were conducted on several kinds of hard and brittle material by altering processing parameters such as vibration frequency and its amplitude, diamond abrasive grit size, cutting depth, feeding speed and rotary speed of tools. The experimental results show that alteration in any of above mentioned parameters will bring effects on the processed surface finish of these materials. Of them, the diamond abrasive grit size has the greatest. Moreover, conventional grinding experiments were also carried out on these materials. By comparison, it was found that the UVG is superior to the conventional method in terms of the ground surface quality, the working efficiency and the wear rate of tools.

Recent Progress in Improving Rate Performance of Cellulose-Derived Carbon Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Cellulose-derived carbon is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for high-performance anode materials in sodium-ion batteries;however,its poor rate performance at higher current density remains a challenge to achieve high power density sodium-ion batteries.The present review comprehensively elucidates the structural characteristics of cellulose-based materials and cellulose-derived carbon materials,explores the limitations in enhancing rate performance arising from ion diffusion and electronic transfer at the level of cellulose-derived carbon materials,and proposes corresponding strategies to improve rate performance targeted at various precursors of cellulose-based materials.This review also presents an update on recent progress in cellulose-based materials and cellulose-derived carbon materials,with particular focuses on their molecular,crystalline,and aggregation structures.Furthermore,the relationship between storage sodium and rate performance the carbon materials is elucidated through theoretical calculations and characterization analyses.Finally,future perspectives regarding challenges and opportunities in the research field of cellulose-derived carbon anodes are briefly highlighted.

Experimental study on the influences of cutter geometry and material on scraper wear during shield TBM tunnelling in abrasive sandy ground

When shield TBM tunnelling in abrasive sandy ground,the rational design of cutter parameters is critical to reduce tool wear and improve tunnelling efficiency.However,the influence mechanism of cutter parameters on scraper wear remains unclear due to the lack of a reliable test method.Geometry and material optimisation are often based on subjective experience,which is unfavourable for improving scraper geological adaptability.In the present study,the newly developed WHU-SAT soil abrasion test was used to evaluate the variation in scraper wear with cutter geometry,material and hardness.The influence mechanism of cutter parameters on scraper wear has been revealed according to the scratch characteristics of the scraper surface.Cutter geometry and material parameters have been optimised to reduce scraper wear.The results indicate that the variation in scraper wear with cutter geometry is related to the cutting resistance,frictional resistance and stress distribution.An appropriate increase in the front angle(or back angle)reduces the cutting resistance(or frictional resistance),while an excessive increase in the front angle(or back angle)reduces the edge angle and causes stress concentration.The optimal front angle,back angle and edge angle for quartz sand samples areα=25°,β=10°andγ=55°,respectively.The wear resistance of the modelled scrapers made of different metal materials is related to the chemical elements and microstructure.The wear resistances of the modelled scrapers made of 45#,06Cr19Ni10,42CrMo4 and 40CrNiMoA are 0.569,0.661,0.691 and 0.728 times those made of WC-Co,respectively.When the alloy hardness is less than 47 HRC(or greater than 58 HRC),scraper wear decreases slowly with increasing alloy hardness as the scratch depth of the particle asperity on the metal surface stabilizes at a high(or low)level.However,when the alloy hardness is between 47 HRC and 58 HRC,scraper wear decreases rapidly with increasing alloy hardness as the scratch depth transitions from high to low levels.The sensitive hardness interval and recommended hardness interval for quartz sand are[47,58]and[58,62],respectively.The present study provides a reference for optimising scraper parameters and improving cutterhead adaptability in abrasive sandy ground tunnelling.

Rotary ultrasonic-assisted milling of brittle materials

In order to improve the machining efficiency of ultrasonic milling,the easiest and most effective approach was started with the improvement of tool design.The main objective of this research was to utilize rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM's) effectiveness in removing brittle materials to extend the applications of this independent,innovative manufacturing method (self-driving rotary ultrasonic machining),and to experimentally investigate its milling application on brittle materials.The designed tool was used in the conjunction with previously established RUM machine tools,and glass was selected as workpiece for experiments.The interrelationship between feed rate and depth of cut was discussed.By measuring the surface roughness of workpiece,the overall efficacy of utilizing RUM for milling was evaluated and presented.Ultrasonic assisted milling results in the reduction of milling resistance,which leads to a greater process rate.

Laser machining of transparent brittle materials: from machining strategies to applications

Transparent brittle materials such as glass and sapphire are widely concerned and applied in consumer electronics, optoelectronic devices, etc. due to their excellent physical and chemical stability and good transparency. Growing research attention has been paid to developing novel methods for high-precision and high-quality machining of transparent brittle materials in the past few decades. Among the various techniques, laser machining has been proved to be an effective and flexible way to process all kinds of transparent brittle materials. In this review, a series of laser machining methods, e.g. laser full cutting, laser scribing, laser stealth dicing, laser filament, laser induced backside dry etching (LIBDE), and laser induced backside wet etching (LIBWE) are summarized. Additionally, applications of these techniques in micromachining, drilling and cutting, and patterning are introduced in detail. Current challenges and future prospects in this field are also discussed.

QUASI-MICROMECHANICAL CONSTITUTIVE THEORY FOR BRITTLE DAMAGED MATERIALS UNDER TENSION

One of fundamental but difficult problems in damage mechanics isthe formulation of the ef- fective constitutive relation ofmicrocrack-weakened brittle o quasi-brittle materials under complexloading, especially when microcrack interaction is taken intoaccount. The combination of phenomenological and mi- cromechanicaldamage mechanics is a promising approach to construction andapplicable damage model with a firm physical foundation.

MICROMECHANICAL MODELLING OF STRAIN SOFTENING IN MICROCRACK-WEAKENED QUASI-BRITTLE MATERIALS

By using the concept of domain of microcrack growth(DMG),the micromechanisms of damage in quasi-brittle materials subjected to triaxial either tensile or compressive loading are investigated and the complete strew-strain relation including four stages is obtained from micromechanical analysis.The regime of pre-peak nonlinear hardening corresponds to the distributed damage,i.e.the stable propagation of microcracks.After the attainment of the ultimate strength of load-bearing capacity, some microcracks experience the second unstable growth and the distributed damage is transmitted to the localization of damage.These analyses improve our understanding of the hardening and softening behaviors of quasi-brittle materials.

Femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures on hard and brittle materials

Hard and brittle materials have high hardness,excellent optical stability,chemical stability,and high thermal stability.Hence,they have huge application potential in various fields,such as optical components,substrate materials,and quantum information,especially under harsh conditions,such as high temperatures and high pressures.Femtosecond laser direct writing technology has greatly promoted the development of femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structure(Fs-LIPSS or LIPSS by a femtosecond laser)applications of hard and brittle materials due to its high precision,controllability,and three-dimensional processing ability.Thus far,LIPSSs have been widely used in material surface treatment,optoelectronic devices,and micromechanics.However,a consensus has not been reached regarding the formation mechanism of LIPSSs on hard and brittle materials.In this paper,three widely accepted LIPSS formation mechanisms are introduced,and the characteristics and applications of LIPSSs on diamonds,silicon,silicon carbide,and fused silica surfaces in recent years are summarized.In addition,the application prospects and challenges of LIPSSs on hard and brittle materials by a femtosecond laser are discussed.

Volume Change of Heterogeneous Quasi-brittle Materials in Uniaxial Compression

The volumetric strain was categorized into elastic and plastic parts. The farmer camposed of axial and lateral strains is uniform and determined by Hooke＇s law ; however, the latter consisting of axial and lateral strains is a fuaction af thickness af shear band determined by grndieat-dependeat plasticity by cansidering the heterngeneity of quasi- brittle materials. The non- uniform lateral strain due to the fact that shear band was farmed in the middle of specimen was averaged within specimen to precisely assess the volumetric strain. Then, the analytical expression for volumetric strain was verified by comparison with two earlier experimental results for concrete and rack. Finally, a detailed parametric study was carried out to investigate effects of constitutive parameters （ shear band thickness, elastic and softening rnoduli ） and geometrical size of specimen（ height and width of specimen ） on the volume dilatancy.

3-D NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF FRACTURE PROCESSES IN HETEROGENEOUS BRITTLE MATERIALS

By using the lattice model combined with finite element methods andstatistical techniques, a numerical approach is developed to establish mechanical models ofthree-dimensional heterogeneous brittle materials. A special numerical code is introduced, in whicha lattice model and statistical approaches are used to simulate the initial heterogeneity ofmaterial properties. The size of displacement-load step is adap-tively determined so that only fewelements would fail in each load step. When the tensile principal strain in an element exceeds theultimate strain of this element, the element is considered broken and its Young's modulus is set tobe very low. Some important behaviors of heterogeneous brittle materials are indicated using thiscode. Load-displacement curves and figures of three-dimensional fracture patterns are alsonumerically obtained, which are similar to those observed in laboratory tests.

A Novel Method for Measuring Flexure Strength of Brittle Materials

A novel test method to measure flexure strength for silicon slices and other brittle materials was suggested by using simple supported circular slice samples and steel ball impact loading. The maximal tensile stress expression under concentrating impact load for center of simple supported circular plate was derived based on kinetic energy theorem and small deflection theory of thin plate. The instrument used in the method is simple, the test results are accurate, and the test does not need large scale loading apparatus. An experimental correct method was presented for test results deviated from small deflection limit when the slices were thinner or the strength of slice was higher.

The Stress Analysis for Notched Specimen of Brittle Material under Plane Dead Loading

The stress distribution of notched specimen of brittle material under a plane pressure was studied using a photoelastic meth- od,When elastic deformation appeared inside the specimen,the force transferred by dowel part was triangular transverse force and frictional force on the upper surface of the sample.The quantity of the frictional force was about 31 percent of transverse force.The stress inside the sample was linear along the central cross section of the sample and there was maximum tensile stress σ_y at the tip of the notch.Basing on shearing stress deviation method,the tensile stress σ_y,σ_x and shearing stress τ_(xy) at the cen- tral sections and four adjacent cross sections were calculated.The result pointed out that σ_x and τ_(xy) were smaller than σ_y.There- fore,σ_y was the main factor for crack formation and propagation.

Characteristics of machined surface controlled by cutting tools and conditions in machining of brittle material

One of the ultra-precision machining methods was adapted for brittle material as well as soft material by using multi-arrayed diamond tips and high speed spindle. Conventional machining method is too hard to control surface roughness and surface texture against brittle material because the particles of grinding tools are irregular size and material can be fragile. Therefore, we were able to design tool paths and machine controlled pattern on surface by multi-arrayed diamond tips with uniform size made in MEMS fabrication and high speed spindle, and the maximum speed was about 3×105 r/min. We defined several parameters that can affect the machining surface. Those were multi-array of diamond tips (n×n), speed of air spindle and feeding rate. The surface roughness and surface texture can be controlled by those parameters for micro machining.

Rockburst characteristics of several hard brittle rocks:A true triaxial experimental study

Rockburst is a typical rock failure which frequently threatens both human life and construction equipment during highly stressed underground excavation.Rock lithology is a control factor of rockburst.In this paper,rockburst tests were conducted on rectangular prismatic specimens of six types of intact hard brittle rocks,i.e.granodiorite,granite,marble,basalt,sandstone and limestone,under one-free-face true triaxial loading conditions.With the use of high-speed cameras,an acoustic emission(AE)system and a scanning electron microscope(SEM),rockburst of different rocks was investigated.The results show that the strainbursts of granodiorite,granite and marble were accompanied by tensile splitting near the free face,and consequently were relatively strong with a large amount of fragment ejection and kinetic energy release.For basalt,sandstone and limestone,failure was primarily dominated by shear rupture.The strainbursts of basalt and sandstone were relatively small with minor fragment ejection and kinetic energy release;while no burst failure occurred on limestone due to its relatively low peak strength.Rock strength,fracturing and fragmentation characteristics,and failure modes of different rocks can significantly affect rockburst proneness and magnitude.The AE evolution coupled with SEM analysis reveals that the differences in the inhe rent microstructures and fracture evolution under loading are the primary factors accounting for different rockbursts in various rock types.

Etching‐assisted femtosecond laser modification of hard materials

With high hardness, high thermal and chemical stability and excellent optical performance, hard materials exhibit great potential applications in various fields, especially in harsh conditions. Femtosecond laser ablation has the capability to fabricate three-dimensional micro/nanostructures in hard materials. However, the low efficiency, low precision and high surface roughness are the main stumbling blocks for femtosecond laser processing of hard materials. So far, etching- assisted femtosecond laser modification has demonstrated to be the efficient strategy to solve the above problems when processing hard materials, including wet etching and dry etching. In this review, femtosecond laser modification that would influence the etching selectivity is introduced. The fundamental and recent applications of the two kinds of etching assisted femtosecond laser modification technologies are summarized. In addition, the challenges and application prospects of these technologies are discussed.

Hardness Measurement and Evaluation of Thin Film on Material Surface

A method for hardness measurement and evaluation of thin films on the material surface was proposed. Firstly, it is studied how to obtain the force indentation response with a finite element method when the indentation is less than 100 nanometers, in which current nanoindentation experiments have not reliable accuracy. The whole hardness indentation curve and fitted equation were obtained. At last, a formula to predict the hardness of the thin film on the material surface was derived and favorably compared with experiments.