O trabalho trata da utilização de formulações não-convencionais de elementos finitos na obtenção de fatores de intensidade de tensão associados a múltiplas fissuras distribuídas num domínio bidimensional. A formulação do problema de múltiplas fissuras baseia-se numa abordagem de sobreposição proposta pelo Método da Partição (\"Splitting Method\"). Segundo essa abordagem a solução do problema pode ser encontrada a partir da sobreposição de três subproblemas combinados de tal forma que o fluxo de tensão resultante nas faces das fissuras seja nulo. O uso do Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF) em sua forma convencional pode requerer um refinamento excessivo da rede nesse tipo de problema, aumentando o custo computacional da análise. Objetivando reduzir este custo, empregam-se duas formulações não-convencionais, de forma independente, num dos subproblemas, dito local: a formulação híbrido-Trefftz de tensão e o Método dos Elementos Finitos Generalizados (MEFG). Na formulação híbrido-Trefftz é adotado o recurso do enriquecimento seletivo mediante o refrno- p na aproximação dos campos de deslocamento no contorno do elemento. Já com relação ao MEFG, empregam-se funções polinomiais e a solução analítica da mecânica da fratura como funções enriquecedoras. Exemplos de simulação numérica são apresentados no sentido de comprovar que a utilização dessas formulações não-convencionais juntamente com o Método da Partição viabiliza a obtenção de resultados com boa aproximação com recurso a redes pouco refinadas, reduzindo significativamente o custo computacional de toda a análise. / This paper treats with the use of non-conventional finite element formulations to obtain the stress intensity factor of multiple cracks located in a two-dimensional domain. The formulation of the multiple cracks problem is based on an overlapping approach suggested by the Splitting Method. Accordingly, the solution of the problem can be achieved by dividing the problem in three steps, combined so that the resulting stress flux is zero on the cracks face. The use of the Finite Element Method (FEM) in its conventional formulation requires a mesh refinement in this kind of problem, then increasing the computational cost. Aiming to reduce this cost, two non-conventional formulations are used independently to solve the local problem: the Hybrid-Trefftz stress formulation and the Generalized Finite Elements Method (GFEM). The Hybrid-Trefftz formulation is applied with selective enrichment using p-refinement in the displacements field on the element boundaries. The GFEM employs polynomial functions and analytical solutions of the fracture mechanics as enrichment functions. Examples of numerical simulations are presented in order to show that non- conventional formulations and the Splitting Method can provide accurate results with coarse mesh, thus reducing the computational cost.

O Jateamento com granalha (shot peening, em inglês) é um processo de fabricação amplamente utilizado em indústrias mecânicas, automotivas, navais, aeronáuticas e outras indústrias metalúrgicas. O objetivo principal é induzir tensões residuais de compressão para melhorar a vida à fadiga das peças e estruturas. A modelagem e simulação do processo são muito difíceis, pois envolvem a consideração de muitos e complexos aspectos. Este trabalho propõe um método de modelagem tridimensional utilizando o método dos elementos finitos para a simulação numérica desse processo assim como a sua influência na propagação de trinca, considerando efeitos pouco estudados, como o amolecimento do material devido ao aumento da temperatura na peça durante os impactos, ao comportamento elasto-plástico das granalhas e a rugosidade da peça tratada nos parâmetros da trinca. A modelagem proposta para simular o processo de jateamento com granalhas inclui: (i) análise dinâmica explícita, (ii) modelagem tridimensional, (iii) cálculo da velocidade real das granalhas, (iv) modelo de contato com coeficientes de atrito estático e dinâmico entre as áreas em contato, (v) o modelo constitutivo de Johnson-Cook para o comportamento do material alvo, (vi) um comportamento elasto-plástico multilinear para as granalhas, (vii) a consideração da cobertura real de uma área dada da superfície jateada, (viii) a consideração do aumento da temperatura no material durante o processo e (ix) o relaxamento de tensões residuais devido a este aumento de temperatura. As simulações numérico-computacionais para investigar a influência do processo em fenômenos, tais como fadiga e propagação de trinca, necessitou uma nova abordagem para a incorporação das tensões residuais num modelo de elementos finitos. Além disso, foram realizados vários ensaios quase-estáticos e dinâmicos para a determinação dos parâmetros do modelo constitutivo de Johnson-Cook para o aço AISI 5160. Para a avaliação das metodologias propostas, as tensões residuais foram introduzidas e avaliadas em uma mola parabólica automotiva, sendo que as tensões residuais foram avaliadas através da técnica de difração de raios-X, a intensidade e a cobertura do processo de jateamento com granalha na mola foram avaliadas com Lupa e rugosímetro. Também, dados experimentais de ensaios de fadiga relatados na literatura, realizados em corpos de prova tipo CT foram utilizados. A modelagem numérica do processo de jateamento com granalha desenvolvida neste trabalho consegue prever com sucesso os perfis das tensões residuais, com valores bem próximos aos obtidos experimentalmente. A investigação numérica do efeito do processo na vida à fadiga e fratura das peças comprovou a sua influência nos parâmetros de propagação de trinca nas regiões afetadas pelo processo, ocasionando um amplo aumento da vida à fadiga, e confirmou o relaxamento das tensões residuais devido aos ciclos de carregamento conforme as observações experimentais na literatura. / Shot peening is a manufacturing process widely used in the mechanical, automotive, marine, aeronautical and other metallurgical industries. The main purpose is to induce residual compression stresses to improve fatigue life. The modeling and simulation of the process are very difficult as they involve the consideration of many and complex aspects. This work proposes a three-dimensional modelling method using the finite element method for the numerical simulation of this process as well as its influence on crack propagation, considering little studied effects such as softening of the material due to the increase in temperature in the part during impacts , the elastic-plastic behavior of the shot and the roughness of the treated part in the crack parameters. The proposed modelling approach to simulate the shot peening process includes: (i) explicit dynamic analysis, (ii) three-dimensional modeling, (iii) calculation of the real velocity of the shot, (iv) contact model with static and dynamic friction coefficients between the contact areas, (v) the Johnson-Cook constitutive model for target material behavior, (vi) a multilinear elasto-plastic behavior for the shot, (vii) consideration of real coverage in a given area of the peened surface, (viii) consideration of temperature increase in the material during the process and (ix) relaxation of residual stresses due to this rise in temperature. Numerical-computational simulations to investigate the influence of the shot peening process on phenomena, such as fatigue and crack propagation, required a new approach for the incorporation of residual stress in a finite element model. In addition, several quasi-static and dynamic tests were carried out to determine the parameters of the constitutive Johnson-Cook model for AISI 5160 steel. To assess the proposed methodologies, the residual stresses were introduced and evaluated in an automotive parabolic spring, with the residual stresses being evaluated by the X-ray diffraction technique, the intensity and coverage of the shot peening process for the spring were evaluated with magnifying glass and roughness gauge. Also, fatigue tests available in the literature, carried out on types of CT specimens, were used. The numerical modeling of the shot peening process developed in this work can successfully predict the residual stress profiles, with values close to those obtained experimentally. The numerical investigation of the effect of the process in the fatigue life and fracture of the pieces proved its influence in the parameters of crack propagation in the regions affected by the process, causing a wide increase of the fatigue life, and confirmed the relaxation of the residual stresses due to the cycles loading according to experimental observations in the literature.

The modified mapping-collocation (MMC) method is applied to analyze a circumferential crack in an isotropic curved beam. Based on the method a MATLAB code was developed to obtain the stress field. Incorporating the stress correlation technique, the opening and sliding fracture mode stress intensity factors (SIF)s of the crack for the beam under pure bending moment load case are calculated. The MMC method aims to solve two-dimensional problems of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) by combining the power of analytic tools of complex analysis (Muskhelishvili formulation, conformal mapping, and extension arguments) with simplicity of applying the boundary collocation method as a numerical solution approach. Qualitatively, a good agreement between the computed stress contours and the fringe shapes obtained from the photoelastic experiment on a plexiglass specimen is observed. Quantitatively, the results are compared with that of ANSYS finite element analysis software. The effect of crack size, crack position and beam thickness variation on SIF values and mode mixity is investigated.

Probabilistic assessment and life cycle management of engineering components and systems in a nuclear power plant is intended to ensure safe and efficient operation of energy generation over its entire life. The CANDU reactor core consists of 380-480 pressure tubes, which are like miniature pressure vessels that contain natural uranium fuel. Pressure tubes operate under severe temperature and radiation conditions, which result in degradation with ageing. Presence of flaws in a pressure tube makes it vulnerable to delayed hydride cracking (DHC), which may lead to rupture or break-before-leak situation. Therefore, assessment of flaws in the pressure tubes is considered an integral part of a reactor core assessment program. The main objective of the thesis is to develop advanced probabilistic and mechanical stress field models for the assessment of flaws. The flaw assessment models used by the industries are based on deterministic upper/lower bound values for the variables and they ignore uncertainties associated with system parameters. In this thesis, explicit limit state equations are formulated and first order reliability method is employed for reliability computation, which is more efficient than simulation-based methods. A semi-probabilistic approach is adopted to develop an assessment model, which consists of a mechanics-based condition (or equation) involving partial factors that are calibrated to a specified reliability level. This approach is applied to develop models for DHC initiation and leak-before-break assessments. A novel feature of the proposed method is that it bridges the gap between a simple deterministic analysis and complex simulations, and it is amenable to practical applications. The nuclear power plant systems are not easily accessible for inspection and data collection due to exposure to high radiation. For this reason, small samples of pressure tubes are inspected at periodic intervals and small sample of data so collected are used as input to probabilistic analysis. The pressure tube flaw assessment is therefore confounded by large sampling uncertainties. Therefore, determination of adequate sample size is an important issue. In this thesis, a risk informed approach is proposed to define sample size requirement for flaw assessment. Notch-tip stress field is a key factor in any flaw assessment model. Traditionally, linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and its extension, serves the basis for determination of notch-tip stress field for elastic and elastic-perfectly-plastic material, respectively. However, the LEFM solution is based on small deformation theory and fixed crack geometry, which leads to singular stress and strain field at the crack-tip. The thesis presents new models for notch and crack induced stress fields based on the deformed geometry. In contrast with the classical solution based on small deformation theory, the proposed model uses the Cauchy's stress definition and boundary conditions which are coupled with the deformed geometry. This formulation also incorporates the rotation near the crack-tip, which leads to blunting and displacement of the crack-tip. The solution obtained based on the final deformed configuration yields a non-singular stress field at the crack-tip and a non-linear variation of stress concentration factor for both elastic and elastic-perfectly-plastic material. The proposed stress field formulation approach is applied to formulate an analytical model for estimating the threshold stress intensity factor (KIH) for DHC initiation. The analytical approach provides a relationship between KIH and temperature that is consistent with experimental results.

Probabilistic assessment and life cycle management of engineering components and systems in a nuclear power plant is intended to ensure safe and efficient operation of energy generation over its entire life. The CANDU reactor core consists of 380-480 pressure tubes, which are like miniature pressure vessels that contain natural uranium fuel. Pressure tubes operate under severe temperature and radiation conditions, which result in degradation with ageing. Presence of flaws in a pressure tube makes it vulnerable to delayed hydride cracking (DHC), which may lead to rupture or break-before-leak situation. Therefore, assessment of flaws in the pressure tubes is considered an integral part of a reactor core assessment program. The main objective of the thesis is to develop advanced probabilistic and mechanical stress field models for the assessment of flaws. The flaw assessment models used by the industries are based on deterministic upper/lower bound values for the variables and they ignore uncertainties associated with system parameters. In this thesis, explicit limit state equations are formulated and first order reliability method is employed for reliability computation, which is more efficient than simulation-based methods. A semi-probabilistic approach is adopted to develop an assessment model, which consists of a mechanics-based condition (or equation) involving partial factors that are calibrated to a specified reliability level. This approach is applied to develop models for DHC initiation and leak-before-break assessments. A novel feature of the proposed method is that it bridges the gap between a simple deterministic analysis and complex simulations, and it is amenable to practical applications. The nuclear power plant systems are not easily accessible for inspection and data collection due to exposure to high radiation. For this reason, small samples of pressure tubes are inspected at periodic intervals and small sample of data so collected are used as input to probabilistic analysis. The pressure tube flaw assessment is therefore confounded by large sampling uncertainties. Therefore, determination of adequate sample size is an important issue. In this thesis, a risk informed approach is proposed to define sample size requirement for flaw assessment. Notch-tip stress field is a key factor in any flaw assessment model. Traditionally, linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and its extension, serves the basis for determination of notch-tip stress field for elastic and elastic-perfectly-plastic material, respectively. However, the LEFM solution is based on small deformation theory and fixed crack geometry, which leads to singular stress and strain field at the crack-tip. The thesis presents new models for notch and crack induced stress fields based on the deformed geometry. In contrast with the classical solution based on small deformation theory, the proposed model uses the Cauchy's stress definition and boundary conditions which are coupled with the deformed geometry. This formulation also incorporates the rotation near the crack-tip, which leads to blunting and displacement of the crack-tip. The solution obtained based on the final deformed configuration yields a non-singular stress field at the crack-tip and a non-linear variation of stress concentration factor for both elastic and elastic-perfectly-plastic material. The proposed stress field formulation approach is applied to formulate an analytical model for estimating the threshold stress intensity factor (KIH) for DHC initiation. The analytical approach provides a relationship between KIH and temperature that is consistent with experimental results.

O trabalho trata da utilização de formulações não-convencionais de elementos finitos na obtenção de fatores de intensidade de tensão associados a múltiplas fissuras distribuídas num domínio bidimensional. A formulação do problema de múltiplas fissuras baseia-se numa abordagem de sobreposição proposta pelo Método da Partição (\"Splitting Method\"). Segundo essa abordagem a solução do problema pode ser encontrada a partir da sobreposição de três subproblemas combinados de tal forma que o fluxo de tensão resultante nas faces das fissuras seja nulo. O uso do Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF) em sua forma convencional pode requerer um refinamento excessivo da rede nesse tipo de problema, aumentando o custo computacional da análise. Objetivando reduzir este custo, empregam-se duas formulações não-convencionais, de forma independente, num dos subproblemas, dito local: a formulação híbrido-Trefftz de tensão e o Método dos Elementos Finitos Generalizados (MEFG). Na formulação híbrido-Trefftz é adotado o recurso do enriquecimento seletivo mediante o refrno- p na aproximação dos campos de deslocamento no contorno do elemento. Já com relação ao MEFG, empregam-se funções polinomiais e a solução analítica da mecânica da fratura como funções enriquecedoras. Exemplos de simulação numérica são apresentados no sentido de comprovar que a utilização dessas formulações não-convencionais juntamente com o Método da Partição viabiliza a obtenção de resultados com boa aproximação com recurso a redes pouco refinadas, reduzindo significativamente o custo computacional de toda a análise. / This paper treats with the use of non-conventional finite element formulations to obtain the stress intensity factor of multiple cracks located in a two-dimensional domain. The formulation of the multiple cracks problem is based on an overlapping approach suggested by the Splitting Method. Accordingly, the solution of the problem can be achieved by dividing the problem in three steps, combined so that the resulting stress flux is zero on the cracks face. The use of the Finite Element Method (FEM) in its conventional formulation requires a mesh refinement in this kind of problem, then increasing the computational cost. Aiming to reduce this cost, two non-conventional formulations are used independently to solve the local problem: the Hybrid-Trefftz stress formulation and the Generalized Finite Elements Method (GFEM). The Hybrid-Trefftz formulation is applied with selective enrichment using p-refinement in the displacements field on the element boundaries. The GFEM employs polynomial functions and analytical solutions of the fracture mechanics as enrichment functions. Examples of numerical simulations are presented in order to show that non- conventional formulations and the Splitting Method can provide accurate results with coarse mesh, thus reducing the computational cost.

Matériaux incontournables des matériaux fonctionnels, les alliages à mémoire de forme(AMF) peuvent présenter de très larges déformations réversibles. La Transformation de Phase Martensitique (TPM), ayant lieu lorsqu’il est soumis à une action mécanique ou thermique, lui confère des caractéristiques particulières. Le comportement thermomécanique des AMF est à présent bien maîtrisé. Cependant la connaissance de leur comportement `a la rupture reste un enjeu majeur pour leur dimensionnement dans le cadre de leur industrialisation pérenne. Ces travaux de recherche se sont attachés `a la connaissance, la description et la quantification du phénomène de localisation en pointe de fissure liée à la TPM induite sous contrainte, au travers du développement d’un modèle prédictif et de sa corrélation expérimentale par mesures de champs simultanées lors d’essais de rupture sur des éprouvettes fissurées de NiTi. Deux modèles analytiques basés sur la mécanique linéaire de la rupture, intégrant le caractère dissymétrique du comportement des AMF en traction/compression, ont été développés pour la prédiction des zones de transformation au voisinage de la pointe de fissure en tenant compte des différents modes de rupture ( élémentaires et mixtes I+II) et du rayon de courbure en pointe de fissure. Un banc de caractérisation par mesures simultanées de champs cinématiques par corrélation d’images (DIC) et thermique par thermographie infrarouge a été développé pour cartographier les champs expérimentaux d’essais de rupture en mode I sur des éprouvettes pré-fissurées. Cette bonne corrélation des modèles analytiques ouvre de nombreuses perspectives concernant l’analyse du couplage thermo mécanique associé à la TPM en pointe de fissure, l’enrichissement des modèles analytiques initiaux, et la confrontation avec les résultats expérimentaux pour des modes de rupture plus complexes (II et mixte I+II). / Major player among functional materials, Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) may undergo verylarge reversible strain. SMA exhibit a Martensitic Phase Transformation (MPT) when they aresubmitted to mechanical or thermal actions, and that gives them some specific characteristics.The thermomechanical behavior of SMA is now well controlled. However, the knowledge of theSMA fracture behavior is a major challenge for their design and sizing for their sustainableindustrialization. This research project has focused on the understanding, describing and quantifyingof the phenomenon of localization at the crack tip due to stress-induced MPT. The study includestwo main aspects: the development of an analytical model and its experimental correlation bysimultaneous field’s measurements during tests on cracked NiTi specimens. Two analytical modelsbased on the linear fracture mechanics and those introduce the asymmetrical nature of the SMAbehavior in tension/compression, were developed for the prediction of transformation zones in thevicinity of the crack tip, taking into account the fracture mode (elementary and mixed ones)and the radii of curvature of the crack tip. A testbench with the measurement of simultaneouskinematic field with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and thermal field with infrared thermographywas designed for mapping the experimental fields during fracture tests in mode I on pre-crackedspecimen. This good correlation of analytical models opens up many perspectives on the analysisof thermomechanical coupling associated with the MPT at the crack tip, the enrichment of the initialanalytical models, and comparison with experimental results for more complex failure modes (II andmixed I+II).

The presented diploma thesis concerns linear fracture mechanics and deals with determination of the stress intensity factor of the finite crack, which is located in the vicinity of the bimaterial interface, solved by the distributed dislocation technique and theory of complex potencials. The work is possible to devide into three parts. The first part includes basic concepts of the linear fracture mechanics and is also dedicated to the mechanics of composite materials. The second part deals with the determination of the stress intensity factor from solving singular integral equation formulated by Bueckner's principle and the distributed dislocation technique. The third part includes the specific configuration of the crack with respect to the bimaterial interface and the solution, which is compared with results obtained from the FE analysis.

The objective of this diploma thesis is the stress-strain analysis of the crack terminating at the orthotropic bi-material interface suggested as the plane problem of the linear fracture mechanics. The first part is engaged in basic relations of the linear fracture mechanics. The second part is focused on the singularity exponent evaluation for the crack impinging and generally inclined with respect to the bi-material interface. It follows the determination of the generalized stress intensity factors applying the analytical-numerical approach represented by the finite element analysis. The last part of this work is focused on the testing of algorithms applied to the specific crack and bi-material interface configurations. A conclusion discusses the influence of the bi-material mechanical properties and the angel of the crack inclination to the obtained numerical results.

A new methodology of polymer pipe lifetime estimation taking into account residual stresses is described in this thesis. Engineering equations derived based on numerical simulations of a hydrostatic pressure test are proposed. Residual lifetime calculations were performed for different loading conditions using experimental data of a creep crack propagation in studied material and stress distribution in the pipe wall. The effects which significantly influence lifetime estimation were quantified with special focus on residual stresses.