Elasto-plastic stress analysis and burst strength evaluation of Al-carbon fiber/epoxy composite cylindrical laminates

This paper concentrates on the elastic–plastic stress analysis and damage evolution of the Al-carbon fiber/epoxy composite cylindrical laminates under internal pressure and thermal residual stress. Firstly, the elastic stress analysis of the composite laminates is performed by using the classical laminate theory. Secondly, the elasto-plastic stress analysis of the liner layer is further conducted by employing the power hardening theory and the Hencky equation in the plastic theory. Finally, an universal solution algorithm based on the last-ply failure criterion is proposed to explore the damage evolution and the burst strength of the composite laminates. Effects of the winding angle and number of the composite layers as well as the thermal residual stress are addressed. The calculated burst strengths are also compared with the experimental results.     

Incremental constitutive equation for large strain elasto plasticity

Starting from the standard theory with intermediate configuration for finite deformations of an isotropic elasto-plastic material with isotropic hardening, rate type constitutive equations are obtained. The small elastic strain approximation is then discussed and it is shown that, in this approximation, these equations reduce to Hill's formalism of large strain elasto-plasticity obtained from the classical Prandtl-Reuss relations of infinitesimal plasticity by substituting for the infinitesimal strain rate, stress and stress rate respectively the rate of deformation tensor, the Cauchy stress tensor and the Jaumann stress rate tensor. The limiting case of perfect plasticity is also investigated.     

A Lagrangian model for hardening behaviour of materials at finite deformation based on the right plastic stretch tensor

In this paper a modified multiplicative decomposition of the right stretch tensor is proposed and used for finite deformation elastoplastic analysis of hardening materials. The total symmetric right stretch tensor is decomposed into a symmetric elastic stretch tensor and a non-symmetric plastic deformation tensor. The plastic deformation tensor is further decomposed into an orthogonal transformation and a symmetric plastic stretch tensor. This plastic stretch tensor and its corresponding Hencky’s plastic strain measure are then used for the evolution of the plastic internal variables. Furthermore, a new evolution equation for the back stress tensor is introduced based on the Hencky plastic strain. The proposed constitutive model is integrated on the Lagrangian axis of the plastic stretch tensor and does not make reference to any objective rate of stress. The classic problem of simple shear is solved using the proposed model. Results obtained for the problem of simple shear are identical to those of the self-consistent Eulerian rate model based on the logarithmic rate of stress. Furthermore, extension of the proposed model to the mixed nonlinear isotropic/kinematic hardening behaviour is presented. The model is used to predict the nonlinear hardening behaviour of SUS 304 stainless steel under fixed end finite torsional loading. Results obtained are in good agreement with the available experimental results reported for this material under fixed end finite torsional loading.     

Two‐point constitutive equations and integration algorithms for isotropic‐hardening rate‐independent elastoplastic materials in large deformation

This paper presents alternative forms of hyperelastic–plastic constitutive equations and their integration algorithms for isotropic‐hardening materials at large strain, which are established in two‐point tensor field, namely between the first Piola–Kirchhoff stress tensor and deformation gradient. The eigenvalue problems for symmetric and non‐symmetric tensors are applied to kinematics of multiplicative plasticity, which imply the transformation relationships of eigenvectors in current, intermediate and initial configurations. Based on the principle of plastic maximum dissipation, the two‐point hyperelastic stress–strain relationships and the evolution equations are achieved, in which it is considered that the plastic spin vanishes for isotropic plasticity. On the computational side, the exponential algorithm is used to integrate the plastic evolution equation. The return‐mapping procedure in principal axes, with respect to logarithmic elastic strain, possesses the same structure as infinitesimal deformation theory. Then, the theory of derivatives of non‐symmetric tensor functions is applied to derive the two‐point closed‐form consistent tangent modulus, which is useful for Newton's iterative solution of boundary value problem. Finally, the numerical simulation illustrates the application of the proposed formulations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Constitutive model and finite element formulation for large strain elasto-plastic analysis of shells

This contribution presents a refined constitutive and finite element formulation for arbitrary shell structures undergoing large elasto-plastic deformations. An elasto-plastic material model is developed by using the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient and by considering isotropic as well as kinematic hardening phenomena in general form. A plastic anisotropy induced by kinematic hardening is taken into account by modifying the flow direction. The elastic part of deformations is considered by the neo-Hookean type of a material model able to deal with large strains. For an accurate prediction of complex through-thickness stress distributions a multi-layer shell kinematics is used built on the basis of a six-parametric shell theory capable to deal with large strains as well as finite rotations. To avoid membrane locking in bending dominated cases as well as volume locking caused by material incompressibility in the full plastic range the displacement based finite element formulation is improved by means of the enhanced assumed strain concept. The capability of the algorithms proposed is demonstrated by various numerical examples involving large elasto-plastic strains, finite rotations and complex through-thickness stress distributions.     

The asymptotic structure of small-scale yielding interfacial free-edge joint and crack-tip fields

Summary The problem of the small-scale yielding (SSY) plane-strain asymptotic fields for the interfacial free-edge joint singularity is examined in detail, and comparisons are made with the interfacial crack tip. The geometries are idealized as isotropic elasto-plastic materials with Ramberg-Osgood power-law hardening properties bonded to a rigid elastic substrate. The resulting fields are shown to be singular and are presented in terms of radial and angular distributions of stress and displacement, and as idealized plastic slip-line sectors. A fourth-order Runge-Kutta numerical method provides solutions to fundamental equations of equilibrium and compatibility that are verified with those of a highly focused finite element (FE) analysis. It is shown that, as in the case of the crack, the asymptotic singular fields are only dependent on the hardening parameter and only a small range of interfacial mode-mix ratios are permitted. The order for the stress singularity may be formulated in terms of the hardening parameter and the elastic solution for incompressible material. The rigid-slip-line field for the interfacial free-edge joint is presented, and it is shown that there is some significant similarity between the asymptotic fields of the deviatoric polar stresses for the joint and the crack-tip having an elastic wedge sector.     

A hyperelastic-based large strain elasto-plastic constitutive formulation with combined isotropic-kinematic hardening using the logarithmic stress and strain measures

This paper addresses the formulation of a set of constitutive equations for finite deformation metal plasticity. The combined isotropic-kinematic hardening model of the infinitesimal theory of plasticity is extended to the large strain range on the basis of three main assumptions: (i) the formulation is hyperelastic based, (ii) the stress-strain law preserves the elastic constants of the infinitesimal theory but is written in terms of the Hencky strain tensor and its elastic work conjugate stress tensor, and (iii) the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient is adopted. Since no stress rates are present, the formulation is, of course, numerically objective in the time integration. It is shown that the model gives adequate physical behaviour, and comparison is made with an equivalent constitutive model based on the additive decomposition of the strain tensor.     

Unified solution of a borehole problem with size effect

Based on the strain gradient theory and the unified yield criterion, the borehole problem of an elasto-plastic plane strain body containing a traction-free hole subjected to uniform far-field stress is studied. The unified expressions for the plastic region radius and the stress concentration factor considering the size effect are derived on the basis of the unified yield criterion, respectively, which can be reduced to those based on the Tresca, von Mises and twin-shear criteria. The dependences of the plastic region radius and the stress concentration on the yield criteria, the material strain hardening level and the size effect are discussed. As a result, it is concluded that the influences of yield criteria and strain hardening level on the plastic region radius and the stress concentration are significant, and the size effect cannot be ignored when the hole size is in the order of tens of microns.     

Springback investigation of anisotropic aluminum alloy sheet with a mixed hardening rule and Barlat yield criteria in sheet metal forming

A mixed hardening model has been implemented based on Lemaitre and Chaboche non-linear kinematic hardening theory to consider cyclic behavior and the Bauschinger effect. The Chaboche isotropic hardening theory is incorporated into the non-linear kinematic hardening model to introduce a surface of nonhardening in the plastic strain space. The bending and reverse bending case study has verified the effectiveness of the mixed hardening model by comparison with the proposed experiment results. Barlat’89 yielding criterion is adopted for it does not has any limitation while Hill’s non-quadratic yield criterion is for the case that the principal axes of anisotropy coincides with principal stress direction. The Backward–Euler return mapping algorithm was applied to calculate the stress and strain increment. The mixed hardening model is implemented using ABAQUS user subroutine (UMAT). The comparisons with linear kinematic hardening model and isotropic hardening model in NUMISHEET’93 benchmark show that the mixed hardening model coupled with Barlat’89 yield criteria can well reflect stress and strain distributions and give a more favorable springback angle prediction.     

Modelling of size effects on strengthening of multiphase Al based composites

A new multilevel mechanical model for multiphase metal matrix composite is proposed, accounting for size distribution effects. The matrix is considered as a micropolar elastic plastic Cosserat material and the hardening phases – as pure elastic ones. A two-steps homogenization procedure is applied to obtain the overall properties of the composite. A variational approach is used to evaluate the equivalent stress on macro level at the transition from micro to macro scale. The model is developed using information provided by microstructural investigations and EDX analysis. The elastic–plastic behaviour of rapidly solidified Al based Fe Si enriched alloys is considered. Due to fast cooling the material can be regarded as “natural” (in situ) composite, containing intermetallic and non-intermetallic compounds of different shapes, sizes, mechanical properties and volume fractions. The multistage modelling of bulk material manufacturing process is simulated using the FEM. The model is implemented as user defined subroutines into the FE code MARC. The influence of the microstructural size parameters on the hardening behaviour of the overall material is discussed.     

Discrete element methods for the plastic analysis of structures subjected to cyclic loading

Methods for the analysis of complex, highly redundant structures subjected to intermittent loads causing biaxial membrane stress and stress reversal into the plastic range are presented. The Bauschinger effect in multi-axial stress is taken into account by the use of Ziegler's modification of Pragers kinematic hardening theory. The implementation of this plasticity theory in the discrete element methods involves the application of the loading in small increments. A linear relationship between increments of plastic strain and of stress, arising out of the theory, is used in conjunction with a linear matrix equation that governs the elastic behaviour of the structure. In the latter equation, plastic strains are interpreted as initial strains. A solution to the linear matrix equation, expressed in terms either of stress or of total strain, may be obtained by utilizing one of two alternative procedures. The methods are capable of treating materials which exhibit elastic–plastic behaviour involving ideal plasticity, linear or non-linear strain hardening, or limited strain hardening. Application is made to several representative structures. Comparison of some of the results with existing test data for both monotonic and reversed loading shows good correlation.     

Asymptotic solution for mode III crack growth in J 2-elastoplasticity with mixed isotropic-kinematic strain hardening

Mode III fracture propagation is analyzed in a J ₂-flow theory elastoplastic material characterized by a mixed isotropic/kinematic law of hardening. The asymptotic stress, back stress and velocity fields are determined under small-strain, steady-state, fracture propagation conditions. The increase in the hardening anisotropy is shown to be connected with a decrease in the thickness of the elastic sector in the crack wake and with an increase of the strength of the singularity. A second order analytical solution for the crack fields is finally proposed for the limiting case of pure kinematic hardening. It is shown that the singular terms of this solution correspond to fully plastic fields (without any elastic unloading sector), which formally are identical to the leading order terms of a crack steadily propagating in an elastic medium with shear modulus equal to the plastic tangent modulus in shear.     

Generalized elastic damage theory and its application to composite plate

Based on continuum mechanics, a generalized damage theory for elastic material which can be used for anisotropic composite is presented in this paper. This theory for anisotropic elastic material has been proposed here from the stress-strain relation of the actual damaged material. Introducing a fourth order damage operator that may be formed by a symmetrical second order damage factor tensor, the constitutive equation of the damaged material has been set up. The expressions of components of both the stress tensor and the strain tensor of the damaged material and their first order invariants have been also derived. The application of this theory to the 2-dimensional composite laminate, including the technique estimating the components of the damage factor tensor and the damage variable tensor and also the practical measure technique of the damage in the whole process, have been explained in detail. Finally, the changes of the anisotropic elastic properties and the actual stress state of damaged material have been discussed and some interesting results have been obtained in this paper.     

Plastic behavior of composites and porous media under isotropic stress

The macroscopic relation between isotropic stress and dilatation is analyzed for a composite consisting of elasto-plastic matrix and elastic particles or empty cavities (porous material), on the basis of the composite spheres assemblage model. Results show that plastic macro-dilatation is not significant for elastic particles but is very significant for porous materials.     

Material parameters for pressure-dependent yielding of unidirectional fiber-reinforced polymeric composites

We study elasto-plastic deformations of unidirectional fiber reinforced polymeric composites (UFPCs) with fibers assumed to deform elastically and the matrix elasto-plastically. The matrix’s and hence composite’s plastic deformations are analyzed by using both the pressure-independent von Mises yield surface and the pressure-dependent Drucker–Prager yield surface and the associated flow rules. In both cases the strain hardening of the matrix is considered and values of material parameters for the matrix are obtained by computing the effective stress versus the effective plastic strain curves from experimental uniaxial stress–strain curves. Values of parameters in the yield surface for the UFPC in terms of those of the matrix and the volume fraction of fibers are found by using a micromechanics approach. Wherever possible, the computed results are compared with the corresponding experimental findings available in the literature. Significant contributions of the work include providing a methodology for determining values of elasto-plastic material parameters for a UFPC from those of its constituents and their volume fractions, and giving expressions in terms of volume fractions of fibers for material parameters appearing in the yield surface of the composite.     

On the elasto-plastic stress concentration at a circular hole in an anisotropic sheet

Summary The classical problem of determining the stress concentration factor at a circular hole embedded in an infinite sheet subjected to remote uniform tension is investigated. A finite strain elasto-plastic deformation theory based on Hill's new anisotropic flow theory [7] is used. It is shown that the governing field equations can be reduced to a single first order differential equation from which the stress concentration factor is obtained by a standard numerical method. The solution covers the entire elasto-plastic range and is valid for any strain hardening function. Comparison with experimental results, for a few materials, shows good agreement.With a pure power hardening law and within the framework of small strain plasticity, our results agree with those obtained from a more general solution discovered by Budiansky [8].With 3 Figures     

Effect of material plasticity on fatigue crack propagation under complex stress state

The maximum energy release rate criterion, i.e., G _max criterion, is commonly used for crack propagation analysis. However, this fracture criterion is based on the elastic macroscopic strength of materials. In the present investigation, a modification has been made to G _max criterion to implement the consideration of the plastic strain energy. This criterion is extended to study the fatigue crack growth characteristics of mixed mode cracks in steel pipes. To predict crack propagation due to fatigue loads, a new elasto-plastic energy model is presented. This new model includes the effects of material properties like strain hardening exponent n, yield strength σ_y and fracture toughness and stress intensity factor ranges. The results obtained are compared with those obtained using the commonly employed crack growth law and the experimental data.     

Elastoplastic crack analysis for pressure-sensitive dilatant materials — Part I: Higher-order solutions and two-parameter characterization

An elastoplastic solution with higher-order terms for cracks in materials exhibiting pressure-sensitive yielding and plastic volumetric deformation is presented in this paper. Two-term expansions of the plane strain and plane stress solutions for a crack in a homogeneous material are obtained. It is shown that a variable-separable solution form under plane strain conditions exists only for weakly pressure-sensitive materials and the limit values of the pressure-sensitivity factor depend on the strain-hardening exponent. The second-order plane strain terms have to be solved as an eigenvalue problem and the elastic terms enter the second-order solutions only when the material has substantial strain-hardening. It follows that the second stress amplitude factor must be determined by the applied load. The values of the second exponents in the stress expansion are slightly larger than zero for most hardening materials and behave as an increasing function of the pressure-sensitivity factor. The finite element computations confirm that the second-order terms under plane strain conditions will increase dominance of the asymptotic solution remarkably. The plane stress analysis shows that the amplitudes of both leading-order and second-order solution are determined by the J-integral for most pressure-sensitive dilatant materials. The variable-separable asymptotic solution exists for all available values of the pressure-sensitivity factor. Because of rapid changes in leading-order terms of the stress component 295-1 at 160° the second-order solution will not significantly improve the prediction of the asymptotic solution in the whole tip field. Numerical results based on the incremental theory of plasticity show that the asymptotic solution characterizes the near-tip fields. Finite strains dominate in the region 295-2 under plane strain conditions. The two-parameter boundary layer formulation with different T-stresses predicts that the higher-order terms are only weakly dependent on the distance to the crack tip and vary significantly with in the forward sector.     

Phenomenological modelling of rate-dependent plasticity for high strain rate problems

The results of two related theoretical investigations for large-scale computations of elasto-plastic deformations at ultrahigh strain rates are summarized in this paper. The first effort concerns the development of a phenomenological constitutive model for finite deformation elasto-plasticity which includes the effects of thermal softening, strain hardening, rate-dependence, as well as the noncoaxiality of the plastic strain rate and the stress deviator, and the incorporation of this model in a large-scale explicit finite-element code. The second effort involves the investigation of localized deformations and shear banding at high strain rates. It is shown that the constitutive model considered, together with standard quadrilateral finite elements with one point integration (piece-wise constant strain and stress fields), can nicely produce the observed intense localized deformations without recourse to any special elements. The results are illustrated in terms of the shear localization observed in uniaxial extension, and of void collapse under uniaxial compression. In addition, the effect of the noncoaxiality of the plastic strain rate and the stress tensor is included in the model, and its influence on strain localization at high strain rates is investigated.     

Simulation of cyclic stress/strain evolutions for multiaxial fatigue life prediction

This study deals with simulation for cyclic stress/strain evolutions and redistributions, and evaluation of fatigue parameters suitable for estimating fatigue lives under multiaxial loadings. The local cyclic elastic–plastic stress–strain responses were analyzed using the incremental plasticity procedures of ABAQUS finite element code for both smooth and notched specimens made of three materials: a medium carbon steel in the normalized condition, an alloy steel quenched and tempered and a stainless steel, respectively. Emphasis is on the studying of ‘intelligent’ material behaviors to resist fracture, such as stress redistribution and relaxation through plastic deformations, etc. For experimental verifications, a series of tests of biaxial low cycle fatigue composed of tension/compression with static and cyclic torsion were carried out on a biaxial servo-hydraulic testing machine (Instron 8800). Different multiaxial loading paths were used to verify their effects on the additional cyclic hardening. The comparisons between numerical simulations and experimental observations show that the FEM simulations allow better understanding on the evolutions of the local cyclic stress–strain and it is shown that strong interactions exist between the most stressed material element and its neighboring material elements in the plastic deformations and stress redistributions. Based on the local cyclic elastic–plastic stress–strain responses, the energy-based multiaxial fatigue damage parameters are applied to correlating the experimentally obtained lives. Improved correlations between the predicted and the experimental results are shown. It is concluded that the improvement of fatigue life prediction depends not only on the fatigue damage models, but also on the accurate evaluations of the cyclic elasto-plastic stress/strain responses.