A numerical study of a plate with a hole for a new class of elastic bodies

It has been shown recently that the class of elastic bodies is much larger than the classical Cauchy and Green elastic bodies, if by an elastic body one means a body incapable of dissipation (converting working into heat). In this paper, we study the boundary value problem of a hole in a finite nonlinear elastic plate that belongs to a subset of this class of the generalization of elastic bodies, subject to a uniaxial state of traction at the boundary (see Fig. 1). We consider several different specific models, including one that exhibits limiting strain. As the plate is finite, we have to solve the problem numerically, and we use the finite element method to solve the problem. In marked contrast to the results for the classical linearized elastic body, we find that the strains grow far slower than the stress.     

Effect of non-singular stress on the brittle fracture of V-notched structure

The traditional brittle fracture criteria for V-notched structures are established on the base of the singular stress field at a V-notch tip where only two singular stress terms are adopted. The non-singular stress terms also play a significant role in determining the stress and strain fields around a V-notch tip, which in turn could affect the fracture character of V-notched structures predicted by the fracture mechanics criteria. In this paper, the effect of the non-singular stress on the brittle fracture properties for the V-notch problem is discussed. Firstly, the stress field around a V-notch tip is described by the Williams asymptotic expansions. At the same time, the stress field far from the V-notch tip is modeled by the conventional boundary element method since there is no stress singularity. By the combination of the Williams asymptotic expansions and the boundary integral equations, the complete stress field at a V-notch tip including several non-singular stress terms can be obtained. Then, three different brittle fracture criteria are introduced to predict the critical loading and initial crack propagation direction of V-notched structures under mixed-mode loading. Comparing with the existed experimental results, it can be found that the degree of accuracy of the predicted results when taking into account the non-singular stress terms is much higher than the predicted ones neglecting the non-singular stress.     

On the nonlinear elastic response of bodies in the small strain range

The classical linearized approximation to describe the elastic response of solids is the most widely used model in solid mechanics. This approximate model is arrived at by assuming that the norm of the displacement gradient is sufficiently small so that one can neglect the square of the norm in terms of the norm. Recent experimental results on Titanium and Gum metal alloys, among other alloys, indicate with unmistakable clarity a nonlinear relationship between the strain and the stress in the range of strain wherein one would have to use the classical linearized theory of elasticity, namely wherein the square of the norm of the strain can be ignored with regard to the value of the strain, leading to a dilemma concerning the modeling of the response, as the classical nonlinear Cauchy elastic model would collapse to the linearized elastic model in this range. A novel and important generalization of the theory of elastic materials has been suggested by Rajagopal in Appl Math 48: 279–319, 2003 and Zeit Angew Math Phys 58: 309–317, 2007 that allows for an approximation wherein the linearized strain can be a nonlinear function of the stress. In this paper, we show how this new theory can be used to describe the new experiments on Titanium and Gum metal alloys and also clarify several issues concerning the domain of application of the classical linearized theory.     

The modelling of axisymmetric basal crack evolution in a borehole indentation problem

The evaluation of the load-displacement behaviour of end bearing caisson-type foundations located in brittle elastic geomaterials is a problem of importance to geomechanics and geotechnical engineering. The conventional study of this problem ignores the possible influences of fracture of the brittle geomaterial which accompanies the indentation process. This paper presents a computational approach to the problem of fracture extension from the edge of the basal plane of the borehole which is used to illustrate how the load-displacement exhibits a non-linear response due to the basal crack extension.     

A new class of quasi-linear models for describing the nonlinear viscoelastic response of materials

In this short note, we develop a new class of “quasi-linear” viscoelastic models wherein the linearized strain is expressed in terms of a nonlinear measure of the stress. The class of models that is developed could be regarded as counterpart to the class of models referred to popularly as “quasi-linear” models, proposed by Fung to describe the response of viscoelastic bodies; however, now the strain is expressed as an integral of a nonlinear measure of the stress. The class of models that are developed can describe response that cannot be described by the class of models proposed by Fung, and moreover, these models are more reasonable from the point of view of causality.     

An experimental study on the mechanical properties of rat brain tissue using different stress–strain definitions

There are different stress–strain definitions to measure the mechanical properties of the brain tissue. However, there is no agreement as to which stress–strain definition should be employed to measure the mechanical properties of the brain tissue at both the longitudinal and circumferential directions. It is worth knowing that an optimize stress–strain definition of the brain tissue at different loading directions may have implications for neuronavigation and surgery simulation through haptic devices. This study is aimed to conduct a comparative study on different results are given by the various definitions of stress–strain and to recommend a specific definition when testing brain tissues. Prepared cylindrical samples are excised from the parietal lobes of rats’ brains and experimentally tested by applying load on both the longitudinal and circumferential directions. Three stress definitions (second Piola–Kichhoff stress, engineering stress, and true stress) and four strain definitions (Almansi–Hamel strain, Green-St. Venant strain, engineering strain, and true strain) are used to determine the elastic modulus, maximum stress and strain. The highest non-linear stress–strain relation is observed for the Almansi–Hamel strain definition and it may overestimate the elastic modulus at different stress definitions at both the longitudinal and circumferential directions. The Green-St. Venant strain definition fails to address the non-linear stress–strain relation using different definitions of stress and triggers an underestimation of the elastic modulus. The results suggest the application of the true stress–true strain definition for characterization of the brain tissues mechanics since it gives more accurate measurements of the tissue’s response using the instantaneous values.     

Distribution of stresses near V-shaped notches in the complex stressed state

By the method of singular integral equations, we obtain the solution of a two-dimensional problem of the elasticity theory for a plane containing a semiinfinite rounded V-notch under complex loading. On the basis on this solution, we establish the relationships between the stress intensity factors at the tip of the sharp V-notch and the maximum stresses and their gradients at the tip of the corresponding rounded notch. For finite bodies with V-notches, the presented solutions are obtained as asymptotic dependences for small radii of rounding of the tips. The deduced relationships can be used to perform the limit transitions and find the stress intensity factors at the tips of sharp V-notches on the basis of the solutions obtained for the corresponding rounded stress concentrators. The efficiency of the method is illustrated for the problem of determination of the stress intensity factors at the vertices of a rectangular hole in the elastic plane.     

Numerical implementation of a shape memory alloy thermomechanical constitutive model using return mapping algorithms

Previous studies by the authors and their co‐workers show that the structure of equations representing shape Memory Alloy (SMA) constitutive behaviour can be very similar to those of rate‐independent plasticity models. For example, the Boyd–Lagoudas polynomial hardening model has a stress‐elastic strain constitutive relation that includes the transformation strain as an internal state variable, a transformation function determining the onset of phase transformation, and an evolution equation for the transformation strain. Such a structure allows techniques used in rate‐independent elastoplastic behaviour to be directly applicable to SMAs. In this paper, a comprehensive study on the numerical implementation of SMA thermomechanical constitutive response using return mapping (elastic predictor‐transformation corrector) algorithms is presented. The closest point projection return mapping algorithm which is an implicit scheme is given special attention together with the convex cutting plane return mapping algorithm, an explicit scheme already presented in an earlier work. The closest point algorithm involves relatively large number of tensorial operations than the cutting plane algorithm besides the evaluation of the gradient of the transformation tensor in the flow rule and the inversion of the algorithmic tangent tensor. A unified thermomechanical constitutive model, which does not take into account reorientation of martensitic variants but unifies several of the existing SMA constitutive models, is used for implementation. Remarks on numerical accuracy of both algorithms are given, and it is concluded that both algorithms are applicable for this class of SMA constitutive models and preference can only be given based on the computational cost. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Asymptotic thermal and residual stress distributions due to transient thermal loads

The paper deals with the development of thermal and residual stress distributions arising from the solidification of a fusion zone near a V-notch tip. A set of numerical solutions of the problem was carried out under the hypothesis of generalized plane strain conditions by means of SYSWELD code. The intensity of the thermal and residual asymptotic stress fields at the sharp V-notch tip was studied for a given V-notch specimen geometry and a predefined fusion zone dimension after simulations on materials with different thermal, mechanical and phase transformation properties and after changing the clamping conditions at the specimen's boundary. The results were compared in terms of the elastic or elastic-plastic notch stress intensity factors giving a contribution to the interpretation of the experimental behaviour of welded joint.     

Optimum design of hypertatic structures

The task of optimum design of structures is one that involves non-linear Programming. This is particularly the case when deflection as well as stress limitation are imposed as design criteria. In this paper a Fundamental approach is presented for the minimum weight design of statically indeterminate elastic structure subject to non-linear deflection and stress constrains. The matrix force method is adopted to formulate the problem. The constraints thus derived prove to have separable variables and therefore can be linearized in a piecewise manner. The computation aspects concerning the restricted entry in to the simplex tableau are briefly discussed and illustrative examples are given to verify the validity of the proposed method.     

Developing a stochastic model to predict the strength and crack path of random composites

We characterize fracture and effective stress–strain graphs in 2D random composites subjected to a uniaxial in-plane uniform strain. The fibers are arranged randomly in the matrix. Both fibers and matrix are isotropic and elastic–brittle. We conduct this analysis numerically using a very fine two-dimensional triangular spring network and simulate the crack initiation and propagation by sequentially removing bonds which exceed a local fracture criterion. In particular, we focus on effect of geometric randomness on crack path of random composites. Based on that two stochastic micro-mechanic models are presented that can predict with confidence the failure probability of random matrix–inclusion composites.     

An alternative numerical procedure for simulating the dynamical response of non-linear elastic rods

In this paper there is presented an alternative numerical procedure for obtaining approximations to non-linear conservation laws like those that describe the dynamical behaviour of elastic rods (composed of materials whose stress–strain relation is non-linear). The above-mentioned procedure consists of approximating the solution of the Riemann problem (associated with the considered conservation law) by a piecewise constant function (satisfying the jump conditions) and using Glimm's scheme for advancing in time, step by step. The proposed numerical approach eliminates the necessity of solving (in a complete way) the associated Riemann problem, easing and cheapening its computational implementation. This procedure is employed for simulating the dynamical response of an elastic-non-linear rod, fixed at its edges, that is left in a non-equilibrium state. There is presented a comparison between results obtained through a classical procedure and through the procedure proposed in this work.     

Numerical modeling of the ductile-brittle transition

Numerical studies of the ductile-brittle transition are described that are based on incorporating physically based models of the competing fracture mechanisms into the material's constitutive relation. An elastic-viscoplastic constitutive relation for a porous plastic solid is used to model ductile fracture by the nucleation and subsequent growth of voids to coalescence. Cleavage is modeled in terms of attaining a temperature and strain rate independent critical value of the maximum principal stress over a specified material region of the order of one or two grain sizes. Various analyses of ductile-brittle transitions carried out within this framework are discussed. The specimens considered include the Charpy V-notch test and cracked specimens under mode I or mode II loading conditions. The fracture mode transition emerges as a natural outcome of the initial-boundary value problem solution. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Strain growth of the in-plane response in an elastic cylindrical shell

Strain growth is a phenomenon observed in containment vessels subjected to internal blast loading. The local elastic response of the vessel may become larger in a later stage compared to its response in the initial stage. To find out the possible mechanisms of the strain growth phenomenon, the in-plane response of an elastic cylindrical shell subjected to an internal blast loading is investigated. Vibration frequencies of membrane modes and bending modes are calculated theoretically and numerically. The dynamic non-linear in-plane responses of an elastic cylindrical shell subjected to internal impulsive loading are studied by theoretical analysis and finite-element simulation using LS-DYNA. It is shown that the coupling between the membrane breathing mode and flexural bending modes is the primary cause of strain growth in this problem. The first peak strain of the breathing mode and the ratio of the thickness to the radius are the dominant factors determining the occurrence of strain growth. Other mechanisms, which have been suggested in previous studies (e.g. beating between vibration modes with close frequencies, interactions between multiple vibration modes, resonance between vessel vibration and reflected blast wave, influence of structural perturbations), are secondary causes for the occurrence of the strain growth phenomenon in the studied problem.     

Flutter instability in a non-associative elastic–plastic layer: analytical versus finite element results

This paper provides an assessment of flutter instability predictions in non-associative elastic–plastic solids based on “linearized stability analyses” that use only the constitutive moduli of the loading regime. Analytical and numerical predictions of flutter, based on such linearized dynamic stability analyses, are confronted with the results of finite element non-linear dynamic analyses, where both loading and unloading regimes are taken into consideration. A layer that is in a homogeneous stress state on the yield surface is considered in all these analyses. The numerical results show that the non-linear dynamic behavior of the layer is quite different in the cases of constant or variable applied loads. Only in the second case, some correlation is found between the predictions of the above linearized analyses and the existence of growing non-linear dynamic solutions. The dynamic behavior of the layer in the neighborhood of a quasi-static trajectory in strict plastic loading is studied, for decreasing non-null applied load rates, and taking into account the time scales involved in the dynamic response and in the loading process.     

The fracture process in quasi‐brittle materials simulated using a lattice dynamical model

The damage process in quasi‐brittle materials is characterized by the evolution of a micro‐crack field, followed by the joining of micro‐cracks, stress localization and crack instability. In network models, masses are lumped at nodal points which are interconnected by one‐dimensional elements with a bilinear constitutive relation, considering the energy consistency during the simulated process. In order to replicate the material imperfections, to render a realistic behaviour in damage localization, the model has not only random elastic and rupture properties, but also a geometric perturbation. In the present paper 2D plates with different levels of brittleness are simulated. The numerical results are presented in terms of global stress vs strain diagram, final network configuration, energy balance during the process and as geometric damage evolution. Therefore, the predictive potential of the lattice discrete element model to capture fracture processes in quasi‐brittle materials is demonstrated.     

Theoretical analysis of the transient response for a stationary inplane crack subjected to dynamic impact loading

The problem considered here is the plane strain response of an elastic solid containing a half plane crack subjected to suddenly applied concentrated point forces acting at a finite distance from the crack tip. Attention is focused on the time-dependent full field solutions in the transient process. It was found by Freund that at the instant that the Rayleigh wave reaches the crack tip, the stress intensity factor jumps to the appropriate static value. We find in this study that the full field stresses will approach to the appropriate static value upon arrival of the shear wave diffracted by the Rayleigh wave from the crack tip.     

Linearized state‐based peridynamics for 2‐D problems

In this work, the authors formulate a 2‐D linearized ordinary state‐based peridynamic model of elastic deformations and compute the stiffness matrix for 2‐D plane stress/strain conditions. This model is then verified by testing the recovery of elastic properties for given Poisson's ratios in the range 0.1–0.45. The convergence behavior of peridynamic solutions in terms of the size of the nonlocal region by comparison with the classical (local) mechanics model is also discussed. The degree to which the peridynamic surface effect influences the recovery of elastic properties is examined, and stress/strain recovery values are found to have a definite influence on the results. The technique used here can provide the basis for applying 2‐D peridynamic models to the study of fatigue failure and quasi‐static fracture problems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The small length scale effect for a non-local cantilever beam: a paradox solved

Non-local continuum mechanics allows one to account for the small length scale effect that becomes significant when dealing with microstructures or nanostructures. This paper presents some simplified non-local elastic beam models, for the bending analyses of small scale rods. Integral-type or gradient non-local models abandon the classical assumption of locality, and admit that stress depends not only on the strain value at that point but also on the strain values of all points on the body. There is a paradox still unresolved at this stage: some bending solutions of integral-based non-local elastic beams have been found to be identical to the classical (local) solution, i.e.?the small scale effect is not present at all. One example is the Euler-Bernoulli cantilever nanobeam model with a point load which has application in microelectromechanical systems and nanoelectromechanical systems as an actuator. In this paper, it will be shown that this paradox may be overcome with a gradient elastic model as well as an integral non-local elastic model that is based on combining the local and the non-local curvatures in the constitutive elastic relation. The latter model comprises the classical gradient model and Eringen's integral model, and its application produces small length scale terms in the non-local elastic cantilever beam solution.     

Nonsingular stress and strain fields of dislocations and disclinations in first strain gradient elasticity

The aim of this paper is to study the elastic stress and strain fields of dislocations and disclinations in the framework of Mindlin’s gradient elasticity. We consider simple but rigorous versions of Mindlin’s first gradient elasticity with one material length (gradient coefficient). Using the stress function method, we find modified stress functions for all six types of Volterra defects (dislocations and disclinations) situated in an isotropic and infinitely extended medium. By means of these stress functions, we obtain exact analytical solutions for the stress and strain fields of dislocations and disclinations. An advantage of these solutions for the elastic strain and stress is that they have no singularities at the defect line. They are finite and have maxima or minima in the defect core region. The stresses and strains are either zero or have a finite maximum value at the defect line. The maximum value of stresses may serve as a measure of the critical stress level when fracture and failure may occur. Thus, both the stress and elastic strain singularities are removed in such a simple gradient theory. In addition, we give the relation to the nonlocal stresses in Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity for the nonsingular stresses.