Many computational methodologies have been developed over the years with the goal of characterizing damage presence in structural components. In this thesis two approached were investigated. The first approach covered in this thesis is the modeling of damage presence through the reduction of the modulus of elasticity. This approach was mainly applied to a cantilevered beam of uniform cross-section. Various crack configurations/orientations were investigated, and from this data equations relating modulus as a function of crack length were derived. The second approach deals with modifying the local flexibility at the location of damage through modification of the element stiffness matrix. This approach has certain advantages in that it can adequately capture the global modal and displacement effects of damage without the added computational effort of mesh refinement that is required for physically modeled cracks.

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Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is proposed to simulate the connection response of practical in-service conditions and test the performance of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) premium threaded connections. A plug-in is developed in Abaqus/CAE for creating the 360-degree full 3D parametric finite element model with helical threads as an effective design and analysis tool. All size, position and material data of the model are parameterized. The premium connection plug-in accepts input from the Graphical User Interface (GUI) for further modification. Each premium connection component is programed as a collection of single-purpose independent functions organized as an independent module in order to allow users to modify specific function behavior conveniently. A main program is designed as an Abaqus kernel plug-in to achieve all the functions by calling these independent functions, making the plug-in flexible. Each single script file is not too long to jeopardize readability. The GUI of the plug-in is designed with proper layout arrangement and illustrations to make the plug-in user-friendly and easy to use. The premium connection FE model is used in a virtual test to validate the model against the ISO 13679 test protocol and is used to develop the seal metrics for points on the ISO 13679 sealability envelope. The plug-in can be used to develop and evaluate the design envelope of the premium connection. / Master of Science / Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) refers to a specific kind of steel tube used in the oil and gas industry--following the specifications set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). As the drilling of the modern oil well goes deeper, the extremely high temperatures and pressures require better quality oil tubes and connections. The drill pipe, connected by Premium Connections, are designed and tested carefully in order to avoid any possible environmental pollution or financial loss resulting from technical failures. Physical testing of each design takes time and costs a lot. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is proposed to simulate the connection response of practical in-service conditions and test the performance of OCTG premium threaded connections. Full 360-degree 3D finite element models are the most complete representation of premium threaded connections. A plug-in is developed in Abaqus/CAE for creating the finite element model with helical threads as an effective design and analysis tool. The plug-in can be used to develop and evaluate the design envelope of the premium connection.

Understanding failure mechanics of mechanical equipment is one of the most important aspects of structural and aerospace engineering. Crack growth being one of the major forms of failure in structural components has been studied for several decades to achieve greater reliability and guarantee higher safety standards. Conventional approaches using the finite element framework provides accurate solutions, yet they require extremely complicated numerical approaches or highly fine mesh densities which is computationally expensive and yet suffers from several numerical instabilities such as element entanglement or overly soften element behavior. The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is a relatively recent concept developed for modeling geometric discontinuities and singularities by introducing the addition of new terms to the classical shape functions in order to allow the finite element formulation to remain the same. XFEM does not require the necessity of computationally expensive numerical schemes such as active remeshing and allows for easier crack representation. In this work, verifies the validity of this new concept for quasi-static crack growth in tension with Abaqus' XFEM is employed. In the course of the work, the effect of various parameters that are involved in the modelling of the crack are parametrically analyzed. The load-displacement data and crack growth were used as the comparison criterion. It was found that XFEM is unable to accurately represent crack growth in the models in the elastic region without direct manipulation of the material properties. The crack growth in the plastic region is found to be affected by certain parameters allowing us to tailor the model to a small degree. This thesis attempts to provide a greater understanding into the parametric dependencies of XFEM crack growth. / Master of Science / Crack propagation is one of the major causes of failure in equipment in structural and aerospace engineering. The study of fracture and crack growth has been taking place for decades in an effort to increase quality of design and to ensure higher standards of safety. In the past, an accurate representation of crack growth within a specimen using conventional numerical analysis was computationally expensive. The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is a concept introduced that would reduce computational effort yet improving the fidelity of the analysis while allowing for easier representation of crack growth. This thesis, verifies the validity of XFEM in simulating crack growth in a specimen undergoing tension using a commercially available code, Abaqus. The various parameters involved in the modeling of this crack and their effects are studied. The study had shown that the inaccuracy of XFEM in its ability to model crack growth, however, it gives us some understanding into certain parameters that would allow us to tailor the model to better represent experimental data.

Pneumatic tires have been an essential part of the automobile since the early 20th century. Providing load carrying, braking, accelerating and turning capability as well as a certain degree isolation from the road, they fail to function without the presence of air pressure inside them. Run-flat tire systems allow the vehicle to continue running with reduced driving speeds for a certain specified range in case of loss of air pressure due to puncture or damage. In this work, the design of self-supporting and insert supported run-flat systems was approached using CAE. Two tire FE models of sizes 175/70 R14 and 175/60 R18 were used in this study. All structural and thermal simulations were done using ABAQUS and ENDURICA software was used for fatigue life simulation. Distance travelled before failure was used as the primary parameter for design evaluation along with secondary parameters of contact patch area and contact pressure, tire temperature profiles and rolling resistance. Ride comfort and handling characteristics are important performance parameters for a tire. Thus, a limited study to quantify the effect of run-flat system on the ride and handling properties was also conducted. The target design values for maximum load were fixed according to ETRTO standards while the maximum operating speed and the desired mileage in deflated condition was fixed at 45 mph and 50 miles, respectively. The initial part of the design process for the auxiliary supported design involved using a rigid cylindrical structure of varying height and thickness as a rim-mounted run-flat insert to get estimate of life of tire structure for different levels of deformation. The results were then used as input for designing a deformable rim mounted insert using reinforced rubber material. For the self-supported design, the sidewall of the tire was modified to increase its section thickness from an average value of 5 mm in the original design to 10 mm and 15 mm by addition of rubber material. For each thickness value, three designs based on the location in the tire structure where the material addition began relative to the belt edges of the tire were created. The designs were compared in terms of their fatigue life and contact patch area. For both types of run-flat designs, a candidate design, which satisfied the performance criteria, was found using the simulation results for the tire and run-flat system. It was concluded that a simulation-based approach can be used to design innovative run-flat systems for pneumatic tires. / Master of Science / Pneumatic tires have been an essential part of the automobile since the early 20th century. Providing load carrying, braking, accelerating and turning capability as well as a certain degree isolation from the road, they fail to function without the presence of air pressure inside them. Run-flat tire systems allow the vehicle to continue running with reduced driving speeds for a certain specified range in case of loss of air pressure due to puncture or damage. In this work, the design of self-supporting and insert supported run-flat systems was approached using computer aided design and simulation methods. Two tire models of 14-inch and 18-inch wheel sizes were used in this study and distance travelled before failure when running in deflated condition was used as the primary parameter for design evaluation. Ride comfort and handling characteristics are important performance parameters for a tire. Thus, a limited study to quantify the effect of run-flat system on the ride and handling properties was also conducted. The maximum operating speed and the desired mileage in deflated condition was fixed as design targets at 45 mph and 50 miles, respectively. For both types of run-flat designs, a candidate design, which satisfied the performance criteria, was found using the simulation results for the tire and run-flat system. It was concluded that a simulation-based approach can be used to design innovative run-flat systems for pneumatic tires.

Ce travail de thèse contribue à étudier le comportement élasto-plastique au rayage du verre métallique massif Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 par la méthode des éléments finis (MEF) et expérimentaux. Le critère de plasticité de type Drucker-Prager est utilisé, une méthode de remaillage est proposée afin d'éviter le problème de convergence qui vient de la grand contrainte cisaillement. Pour cela, le comportement au rayage est étudié par le changement de l'angle d'attaque, du coefficient de frottement local entre le matériau et l'indenteur. Ces influences sont valorisés par l'évolution des forces rayures, par la morphologie de l'échantillon, et ils montrent le mécanisme de changement des modes de rayage : du labourage à l'usinage avec la formation des copeaux. Les essais sont réalisés à l'aide de l'équipement du LARMAUR : Un nano-triboindenteur de type Hysitron Ti-950. La comparaison des résultats simulés et expérimentaux nous permettre d'évaluer la loi comportement utilisé et d'estimer la valeur de coefficient de frottement entre le matériau et l'indenteur. / This thesis contributes to modeling of the elasto-plastic behavior in scratch test of a Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMG) by the finite element method and by experimental testing. The Drucker-Prager criterion is used and dedicated re-meshing method is proposed in order to solve the numerical problems classically encountered when modeling such a test and this with a controlled element population. The influence of friction coefficient as well as the angle of attack are investigated to understand the occurrence of two deformation mechanisms : plowing and cutting. The test is realized by using the LARMAUR's equipment : nano triboindenter Hysitron Ti-950. The result of experimental and simulation are confronted the finite element simulations.

La corrosion des canalisations métalliques pour le transport de gaz ou d’hydrocarbures est un problème critique qui peut avoir des répercussions financières et environnementales très importantes. Les revêtements polyoléfines tricouches sont largement utilisés pour préserver l’intégrité des structures. Ils sont constitués d’une sous couche mince époxy, d’une couche mince d’adhésif et d’une couche épaisse le plus souvent en polyéthylène. Ce système de revêtement bénéficie de très bonnes qualités d'adhérence. Néanmoins, des cas de décollements de ces revêtements à l’interface époxy/acier ont été constatés sur des pipelines en service depuis quelques années seulement, alors que la durée minimale de vie escomptée des tubes dans le sol est de quelques dizaines d’années. Ces décollements pourraient être dus à une dégradation progressive des liaisons interfaciales entre le primaire époxy et la surface métallique, associée à la présence de contraintes interfaciales importantes entre les différentes couches de l'assemblage. Cette étude vise alors d'une part à proposer des solutions permettant d’aboutir à la meilleure performance en vieillissement de la liaison adhésive, et d'autre part à quantifier les niveaux de contraintes au sein de la canalisation en acier revêtue depuis sa mise en œuvre, jusqu'à sa mise en service.Les liaisons interfaciales dépendant nécessairement de la préparation de surface de l’acier, des procédés de nettoyage ont été testés afin d’évaluer leur influence sur l’adhérence initiale et la durabilité des assemblages. Les préparations de surface permettent d'obtenir un degré de propreté et une rugosité. Ces deux éléments maximisent les forces de liaison et donc l'adhérence du revêtement. Le revêtement résiste alors mieux dans des environnements agressifs. Tous les procédés de nettoyage testés ont conduits à des niveaux de propreté équivalents du substrat en acier. Les essais effectués sur substrats polis miroir ont mis en évidence qu’une rugosité est nécessaire pour améliorer la durabilité des assemblages. La rugosité permet d'obtenir des adhérences supérieures à celles sur substrats polis miroir, de ralentir les effets du vieillissement humide et donc de prolonger la durée de vie du système. Il a été mis en évidence que les fortes rugosités étaient particulièrement bénéfiques pour les adhérences sèches. Par contre, au-delà d’une certaine rugosité, l’augmentation de la rugosité ne s’accompagne pas d’une amélioration significative de l’adhérence humide. Une étude sur l’apport des traitements de surface a aussi été menée. L’addition d’un traitement de surface a peu d’impact sur les adhérences initiales des assemblages, en comparaison avec une préparation de surface classique. Par contre les traitements de surfaces améliorent considérablement les adhérences humides, et donc la durabilité des assemblages. Notre travail prouve que le traitement aminosilane est un candidat potentiel en vue du remplacement du traitement toxique de chromatation, référence en matière de traitements de surface dans l'industrie des pipelines et dont l'utilisation sera interdite dans un futur proche compte tenu de l'évolution de la réglementation. Dans de bonnes conditions d'application et associé avec des primaires époxy appropriés, les adhérences sèches et humides obtenues avec les silanes sont comparables (voire supérieures) à celles de la chromatation.Par ailleurs, la modélisation par éléments finis du système tricouches a permis de préciser les niveaux de contraintes aux interfaces résultant de la mise en œuvre et de prévoir leur évolution au cours du temps et du vieillissement humide. / External Corrosion can weaken underground steel pipelines and render them unsafe for transporting oil or gas. Premature damage of this network could lead to dramatic financial and environmental consequences. Three layers polyolefin coatings composed by a fusion bonded epoxy, a modified polyolefin adhesive and a thick polyolefin topcoat, are the most widely systems used to preserve the structure integrity. This protective coating system presents excellent adhesion. Nevertheless, in some specific cases, loss of adhesion has been observed at steel/epoxy interface on operating pipelines on shorter period than their expected lifetime of about fifty years. This disbonding can be assigned to the progressive degradation of interfacial bonds between the epoxy primer and the metallic surface combined to substantial interfacial stresses between the different layers of the assembly. This study thus aims both to provide solutions to achieve the best ageing performance of the adhesive bond, and secondly to quantify the stress levels in a coated steel pipe since coating manufacturing to pipeline commissioning.Given that interfacial bonds depend necessarily on steel surface preparation, cleaning methods were compared to appraise their influence on assemblies dry and wet adhesion. Surface preparations allow to achieve a level of cleanness and to create a surface roughness. These two elements maximize binding forces and therefore the adhesion of the coating. The coating is thus more resistant to aggressive environments. All cleaning process have led to equivalent level of cleanness of steel substrate. Experiments carried out on mirror polished steel substrates highlighted that a surface roughness is necessary to improve joints durability. Roughness allows to obtain higher adhesion compared to mirror polished steel substrates, slows the effects of humid ageing and thus contributes to extend the durability of the system. It has been demonstrated that a high roughness is particularly beneficial for dry adhesion. By cons, beyond a certain roughness, increasing the surface roughness does not lead to significant improvement of wet adhesion. The benefits of surface treatments were also investigated. The addition of a surface treatment has little impact on dry adhesion in comparison with a conventional surface preparation. However, surface treatments substantially enhance the adhesion strength in wet stage, and therefore increase the durability of the assemblies. We also demonstrate that aminosilane surface treatments are competitive alternatives to traditional chromate conversion, which is the surface treatment of reference in pipeline industry, and whose use will be prohibited in a near future considering changes in legislation. Under good conditions of application and associated with appropriate fusion bonded epoxy, dry and wet adhesion obtained with silane surface treatments are comparable (or even higher ) than those obtained with chromate surface treatments.Furthermore, finite element modeling has allowed to specify interfacial stresses levels inside the assembly resulting from coating's manufacturing process and to predict their evolution over time and during wet ageing.

The report aims to describe the austenitic stainless steel Sanicro 25 from a thermomechanical point of view. The thermal and mechanical properties of the material make it suitable for use in coal – and thermal power plants. By the use of Sanicro 25 it would be possible to bring the efficiency of these plants up while bringing the carbon emissions down.A material model is created from material testing and validated through simulation in the finite element software Abaqus. The model that has been derived describes the material behavior during loading and stress relaxation for the first cycle in a thermomechanical fatigue test well. The unloading part of the cycle however cannot be described correctly by the use of this model. / Rostfritt

This work describes the implementation of the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) in the Abaqus software package. A user-defined element was developed containing the analytical functions relating to homogeneous and interface fracture mechanics. The long-term goal of such work is to increase the ability to analyze fractures and other imperfections in multimaterial systems containing large elastic mismatches, such as flexible electronics. A review of XFEM-related literature is presented, as well as an overview of fracture mechanics for both homogeneous and interface systems. The theoretical basis of the XFEM is then covered, including the concepts of Partition of Unity and stress intensity factor evaluation. Finally, numerical results of the implementation are compared to several benchmark cases, along with conclusions and suggestions for future work.