Different fracture modes have been observed in thin film structures. One common approach used in fracture analysis is based on the principle of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), which assumes pre-existing cracks and treats the materials as linear elastic except for the damage zone around the crack tip. Alternatively, a nonlinear cohesive zone model (CZM) can be used to simulate both nucleation and growth of cracks. In this dissertation, the approaches of LEFM and CZM are employed to study fracture and delamination of elastic thin films on compliant substrates under various loading conditions. First, compression-induced buckling of elastic thin films on elastic compliant substrates is studied by analytical and numerical methods. The critical condition for onset of buckling instability without and with a pre-existing delamination crack is predicted. By comparing the critical strains, a map for the initial buckling modes is constructed with respect to the film/substrate stiffness ratio and the interfacial defect size. For an elastic film on a highly compliant substrate, nonlinear post-buckling analysis is conducted to simulate concomitant wrinkling and buckle-delamination, with a long-range interaction between the two buckling modes through the compliant substrate. By using a layer of cohesive elements for the interface, progressive co-evolution of wrinkling and delamination is simulated. In particular, the effects of interfacial properties (strength and toughness) on the initiation and propagation of wrinkle-induced interfacial delamination are examined. Next, using a set of finite element models, the effects of interfacial delamination and substrate penetration on channel cracking of brittle thin films are analyzed. It is found that, depending on the elastic mismatch and the toughness of interface and substrate, a channel crack may grow with interfacial delamination and/or substrate cracking. By comparing the effective energy release rates, the competition between the two fracture modes is discussed. Cohesive zone modeling is then employed to simulate nucleation and growth of delamination and penetration from the root of a channel crack. By comparing the results from the approaches of LEFM and CZM, the characteristic fracture resistance from small-scale bridging to large-scale bridging is identified. Finally, to determine the nonlinear traction-separation relation for cohesive zone modeling of a bimaterial interface, a hybrid approach is developed by combining experimental measurements and finite element simulations. In particular, both analytical and numerical models for wedge-loaded double cantilever beam specimens are developed. A two-step fitting procedure is proposed to determine the interface toughness and strength based on the measurements of the steady-state crack length and the local crack opening displacements. / text

In recent decades, a significant research has been carried out towards understanding the behaviour of plated beam. Initially designed to achieve a desired capacity, the plated beams prematurely fail in undesirable modes of failure, such as debonding and peeling. The uncertainty related with such modes of failure poses a real challenge towards quantifying them. This field is far from being clearly understood. Therefore, an attempt is made in this thesis to accurately predict the behaviour of adhesively plated beams.

Si, pour les matériaux composites élaborés, de nombreuses études expérimentales ainsi que des modèles locaux de comportement ont été développés, la maîtrise du comportement des interfaces entre couches de surface ou d’assise de chaussées est actuellement un réel verrou scientifique. La méthode de dimensionnement française actuelle ne prend en compte, aux interfaces, que des conditions conventionnelles de collage ou de glissement parfait. Afin d’appréhender le comportement local de l’interphase\interface, les outils de la photomécanique apparaissent incontournables. La présente thèse propose une modélisation de l’interface rugueuse et endommageable par un modèle de zone cohésive en mode mixte. Ce manuscrit de thèse comporte trois chapitres. D’abord, le chapitre I présente un état de l’art sur les interfaces dans les matériaux et les structures et en particulier dans les couches de chaussées. Ensuite dans le chapitre II, une identification expérimentale des paramètres mécaniques et géométriques du modèle d’interface est proposée à travers des essais de traction et de cisaillement et des mesures de la texture (PMT et projections de franges). Les résultats obtenus (adhésion, rugosité,…) seront les paramètres d’entrée d’un modèle d’endommagement d’interface. Enfin, le chapitre III aborde la modélisation des interfaces entre couches de chaussées sous l’angle des modèles de zones cohésives avec la prise en compte de la rugosité géométrique. A l’issu de cette étude, une loi est proposée permettant de prendre en compte l’effet de la rugosité à une échelle locale dans une interface lisse équivalente à l’échelle globale. / Interface between bituminous layers is an important parameter for the pavement computational design.New pathologies in pavement structure require today rational methods taking into account theinterfaces behavior. Due to these concerns, the current study is based on a damage cohesive zonemodel (CZM) in mixed mode of the rough interfaces. The model was initially proposed by Allix-Ladevèze. This thesis presents a comprehensive interface modeling including delay effect, based ondamage energy release rate. The process of the present study is presented in three chapters. The firstchapter present the stat of art of interfaces. The second devoted to identify the parameters of theinterface model and material properties through advanced optical method as Digital Image Correlation(DIC) and (H-DIC). In the third chapter, a study of the influence of the elastic normal and tangentialstiffness and coupling parameters in the mixed mode on the debonding interfacial energy is presented.An analytical model provides relations between the interfaces stiffness, the coupling parameter of theCZM and the interfacial roughness. Then, a parametric numerical analysis is conducted to study theroughness effect on the interface constitutive law. Results show clearly the roughness influence in thiskind of structures. The damage behaviours predicted by the proposed model for pure mode I, puremode II and for mixed mode with taking into account of roughness are found in good agreement withexperimental results.

No trabalho estuda-se o crescimento de trincas em carga monotônica e cíclica nos casos de materiais quase-frágeis, introduzindo uma lei de dano cíclico. Revisam-se conceitos sobre modelos coesivos, leis de carga-descarga, leis de evolução de dano e efeito de escala. É seguido o modelo coesivo irreversível proposto por Wang e Siegmund (2006). Em particular se dá ênfase aos efeitos de escala não estatísticos. O modelo de zona coesiva irreversível apresenta uma formulação de dano e considera carregamento em fadiga. Quando o tamanho estrutural é reduzido (ou as trinca se extendem), a fratura por fadiga não mais ocorre por propagação de trinca, mas sim por uma decoesão uniforme. O objetivo desde trabalho é implementar este modelo e verificar sua potencialidade na captura de efeitos de escala, comparando com experimentos e dados disponíveis na literatura. / At present work is intended to study crack growth in cyclic and monotonic loading in the case of quasi-brittle materials, introducing a damage mechanism, is reviewed concepts of cohesive models, loading-unloading laws, damage evolution laws and effect of scale. The irreversible cohesive zone model proposed by Wang e Siegmund (2006) is followed. In particular emphasizes in the not statistical size effects. The irreversible cohesive zone model, presents a damage formulation and considers fatigue loading. It is demonstrated in this study that, when the structure size is reduced (or extend cracks), the fatigue fracture no longer occurs by crack propagation, then occurs by uniform decohesion . The objetive of this work is implementing this model and verify its capability to capture the scale effect compared with experiments and data available in literature.

Por vezes o comportamento vinculado a fadiga é a principal fonte de dúvidas em projetos de engenharia. Aqui, o crescimento de trincas por fadiga é analisado numericamente utilizando uma plataforma de elementos finitos, onde o problema da fratura é modelado de forma discreta através do uso de elementos coesivos de interface. Os casos estudados abordam estruturas que apresentam uma trinca inicial de tamanho conhecido que propaga por um caminho condicionado. Os problemas são restritos ao estado plano de deformações e sujeitos em sua grande maioria a abertura normal entre as superfícies da trinca. O processo de separação das interfaces da trinca é descrito pelo uso de dois modelos de zona coesiva irreversível. Os modelos possuem relações de tensão-separação que não seguem um caminho pré-definido, sendo dependentes da evolução do dano ligado as propriedades da zona coesiva. Inicialmente são mostradas respostas básicas uniaxiais para os elementos coesivos, que provam a existência de curvas S-N e que o acumulo de dano ocorre de forma não linear. Em seguida, analisa-se crescimento de trincas por fadiga em uma viga do tipo double cantilever beam, onde a estrutura observada é formada pela união de duas chapas metálicas através de um adesivo coesivo que direciona o crescimento da trinca Casos com carga de amplitude única são computados, resultando na representatividade da propagação por uma lei de Paris. Além disso, uma análise de fadiga transiente é realizada através de respostas geradas pela aplicação de sequências de carregamentos em blocos, que mostram a dependência entre o formato do bloco e a maneira a qual ocorre a propagação da trinca. Na sequência, observa-se o efeito escala no crescimento de trincas por fadiga em uma placa submetida a tração com comportamento quase-frágil. Obtém-se uma conexão entre a altura da placa e o formato da ruptura. Por fim, o efeito da plastificação sobre a propagação de trincas, incluindo a captura do efeito crack closure, é comprovado em uma estrutura multicamada que emprega uma malha refinada na ponta da trinca. Os resultados mostram que o modelo computacional implementado reproduz comportamentos semelhantes atingidos nos trabalhos de referência para os problemas analisados. / Sometimes fatigue-related behavior is the main source of doubt in engineering projects. Here, the fatigue crack growth is analyzed numerically using a finite element platform, where the fracture problem is discretely modeled through the use of cohesive interface elements. The cases studied deal with structures that present an initial crack of known size that propagates through a conditioned path. The problems are restricted to plane strain and are mostly subject to the normal opening between the surfaces of the crack. The process of separating the interfaces of the crack is described by the use of two models of irreversible cohesive zone. The models have stress-separation relationships that do not follow a predefined path, being dependent on the evolution of the damage linked to the properties of the cohesive zone. Initially basic uniaxial responses are shown for the cohesive elements, which prove the existence of S-N curves and that the accumulation of damage occurs non-linearly. Then, fatigue crack growth is analyzed in a double cantilever beam, where the observed structure is formed by the union of two metal plates through a cohesive adhesive that directs the growth of the crack Cases with single amplitude loading are computed, resulting in the representativeness of propagation by a Paris law. In addition, a transient fatigue analysis is performed through responses generated by the application of block loading sequences, which show the dependence between the block shape and the manner in which crack propagation occurs. In the sequence, the scale effect on the growth of fatigue cracks in a plate subjected to traction with quasi-fragile behavior is observed. A connection is obtained between the height of the plate and the rupture format. Finally, the plastification effect on crack propagation, including crack closure capture, is demonstrated in a multilayer structure that employs a refined mesh at the crack tip. The results show that the computational model implemented reproduces similar behaviors reached in the reference works for the analyzed problems.

Por vezes o comportamento vinculado a fadiga é a principal fonte de dúvidas em projetos de engenharia. Aqui, o crescimento de trincas por fadiga é analisado numericamente utilizando uma plataforma de elementos finitos, onde o problema da fratura é modelado de forma discreta através do uso de elementos coesivos de interface. Os casos estudados abordam estruturas que apresentam uma trinca inicial de tamanho conhecido que propaga por um caminho condicionado. Os problemas são restritos ao estado plano de deformações e sujeitos em sua grande maioria a abertura normal entre as superfícies da trinca. O processo de separação das interfaces da trinca é descrito pelo uso de dois modelos de zona coesiva irreversível. Os modelos possuem relações de tensão-separação que não seguem um caminho pré-definido, sendo dependentes da evolução do dano ligado as propriedades da zona coesiva. Inicialmente são mostradas respostas básicas uniaxiais para os elementos coesivos, que provam a existência de curvas S-N e que o acumulo de dano ocorre de forma não linear. Em seguida, analisa-se crescimento de trincas por fadiga em uma viga do tipo double cantilever beam, onde a estrutura observada é formada pela união de duas chapas metálicas através de um adesivo coesivo que direciona o crescimento da trinca Casos com carga de amplitude única são computados, resultando na representatividade da propagação por uma lei de Paris. Além disso, uma análise de fadiga transiente é realizada através de respostas geradas pela aplicação de sequências de carregamentos em blocos, que mostram a dependência entre o formato do bloco e a maneira a qual ocorre a propagação da trinca. Na sequência, observa-se o efeito escala no crescimento de trincas por fadiga em uma placa submetida a tração com comportamento quase-frágil. Obtém-se uma conexão entre a altura da placa e o formato da ruptura. Por fim, o efeito da plastificação sobre a propagação de trincas, incluindo a captura do efeito crack closure, é comprovado em uma estrutura multicamada que emprega uma malha refinada na ponta da trinca. Os resultados mostram que o modelo computacional implementado reproduz comportamentos semelhantes atingidos nos trabalhos de referência para os problemas analisados. / Sometimes fatigue-related behavior is the main source of doubt in engineering projects. Here, the fatigue crack growth is analyzed numerically using a finite element platform, where the fracture problem is discretely modeled through the use of cohesive interface elements. The cases studied deal with structures that present an initial crack of known size that propagates through a conditioned path. The problems are restricted to plane strain and are mostly subject to the normal opening between the surfaces of the crack. The process of separating the interfaces of the crack is described by the use of two models of irreversible cohesive zone. The models have stress-separation relationships that do not follow a predefined path, being dependent on the evolution of the damage linked to the properties of the cohesive zone. Initially basic uniaxial responses are shown for the cohesive elements, which prove the existence of S-N curves and that the accumulation of damage occurs non-linearly. Then, fatigue crack growth is analyzed in a double cantilever beam, where the observed structure is formed by the union of two metal plates through a cohesive adhesive that directs the growth of the crack Cases with single amplitude loading are computed, resulting in the representativeness of propagation by a Paris law. In addition, a transient fatigue analysis is performed through responses generated by the application of block loading sequences, which show the dependence between the block shape and the manner in which crack propagation occurs. In the sequence, the scale effect on the growth of fatigue cracks in a plate subjected to traction with quasi-fragile behavior is observed. A connection is obtained between the height of the plate and the rupture format. Finally, the plastification effect on crack propagation, including crack closure capture, is demonstrated in a multilayer structure that employs a refined mesh at the crack tip. The results show that the computational model implemented reproduces similar behaviors reached in the reference works for the analyzed problems.

No trabalho estuda-se o crescimento de trincas em carga monotônica e cíclica nos casos de materiais quase-frágeis, introduzindo uma lei de dano cíclico. Revisam-se conceitos sobre modelos coesivos, leis de carga-descarga, leis de evolução de dano e efeito de escala. É seguido o modelo coesivo irreversível proposto por Wang e Siegmund (2006). Em particular se dá ênfase aos efeitos de escala não estatísticos. O modelo de zona coesiva irreversível apresenta uma formulação de dano e considera carregamento em fadiga. Quando o tamanho estrutural é reduzido (ou as trinca se extendem), a fratura por fadiga não mais ocorre por propagação de trinca, mas sim por uma decoesão uniforme. O objetivo desde trabalho é implementar este modelo e verificar sua potencialidade na captura de efeitos de escala, comparando com experimentos e dados disponíveis na literatura. / At present work is intended to study crack growth in cyclic and monotonic loading in the case of quasi-brittle materials, introducing a damage mechanism, is reviewed concepts of cohesive models, loading-unloading laws, damage evolution laws and effect of scale. The irreversible cohesive zone model proposed by Wang e Siegmund (2006) is followed. In particular emphasizes in the not statistical size effects. The irreversible cohesive zone model, presents a damage formulation and considers fatigue loading. It is demonstrated in this study that, when the structure size is reduced (or extend cracks), the fatigue fracture no longer occurs by crack propagation, then occurs by uniform decohesion . The objetive of this work is implementing this model and verify its capability to capture the scale effect compared with experiments and data available in literature.

Por vezes o comportamento vinculado a fadiga é a principal fonte de dúvidas em projetos de engenharia. Aqui, o crescimento de trincas por fadiga é analisado numericamente utilizando uma plataforma de elementos finitos, onde o problema da fratura é modelado de forma discreta através do uso de elementos coesivos de interface. Os casos estudados abordam estruturas que apresentam uma trinca inicial de tamanho conhecido que propaga por um caminho condicionado. Os problemas são restritos ao estado plano de deformações e sujeitos em sua grande maioria a abertura normal entre as superfícies da trinca. O processo de separação das interfaces da trinca é descrito pelo uso de dois modelos de zona coesiva irreversível. Os modelos possuem relações de tensão-separação que não seguem um caminho pré-definido, sendo dependentes da evolução do dano ligado as propriedades da zona coesiva. Inicialmente são mostradas respostas básicas uniaxiais para os elementos coesivos, que provam a existência de curvas S-N e que o acumulo de dano ocorre de forma não linear. Em seguida, analisa-se crescimento de trincas por fadiga em uma viga do tipo double cantilever beam, onde a estrutura observada é formada pela união de duas chapas metálicas através de um adesivo coesivo que direciona o crescimento da trinca Casos com carga de amplitude única são computados, resultando na representatividade da propagação por uma lei de Paris. Além disso, uma análise de fadiga transiente é realizada através de respostas geradas pela aplicação de sequências de carregamentos em blocos, que mostram a dependência entre o formato do bloco e a maneira a qual ocorre a propagação da trinca. Na sequência, observa-se o efeito escala no crescimento de trincas por fadiga em uma placa submetida a tração com comportamento quase-frágil. Obtém-se uma conexão entre a altura da placa e o formato da ruptura. Por fim, o efeito da plastificação sobre a propagação de trincas, incluindo a captura do efeito crack closure, é comprovado em uma estrutura multicamada que emprega uma malha refinada na ponta da trinca. Os resultados mostram que o modelo computacional implementado reproduz comportamentos semelhantes atingidos nos trabalhos de referência para os problemas analisados. / Sometimes fatigue-related behavior is the main source of doubt in engineering projects. Here, the fatigue crack growth is analyzed numerically using a finite element platform, where the fracture problem is discretely modeled through the use of cohesive interface elements. The cases studied deal with structures that present an initial crack of known size that propagates through a conditioned path. The problems are restricted to plane strain and are mostly subject to the normal opening between the surfaces of the crack. The process of separating the interfaces of the crack is described by the use of two models of irreversible cohesive zone. The models have stress-separation relationships that do not follow a predefined path, being dependent on the evolution of the damage linked to the properties of the cohesive zone. Initially basic uniaxial responses are shown for the cohesive elements, which prove the existence of S-N curves and that the accumulation of damage occurs non-linearly. Then, fatigue crack growth is analyzed in a double cantilever beam, where the observed structure is formed by the union of two metal plates through a cohesive adhesive that directs the growth of the crack Cases with single amplitude loading are computed, resulting in the representativeness of propagation by a Paris law. In addition, a transient fatigue analysis is performed through responses generated by the application of block loading sequences, which show the dependence between the block shape and the manner in which crack propagation occurs. In the sequence, the scale effect on the growth of fatigue cracks in a plate subjected to traction with quasi-fragile behavior is observed. A connection is obtained between the height of the plate and the rupture format. Finally, the plastification effect on crack propagation, including crack closure capture, is demonstrated in a multilayer structure that employs a refined mesh at the crack tip. The results show that the computational model implemented reproduces similar behaviors reached in the reference works for the analyzed problems.

The use of composite materials brought a tremendous breakthrough in the scientific world of aerospace engineering. The lack of understanding of the failure of composite materials can be disastrous. Composite laminated structures need to be thoroughly studied and investigated in the design stage. In this thesis, formed-hat skin stringer made of composite laminates is investigated. Delamination is the most common failure of laminated composites, which has two stages delamination onset and delamination propagation. In the preliminary design phase, firstly the structures need to be investigated for low-velocity impact to check the formation of damage onset due to the impact that may arise during manufacturing. In the detailed design phase, the structure is investigated to study the evolution of delamination growth under loading conditions. The structure is modeled using 3 D elements because of the presence of Interlaminar stresses in the width and thickness direction and anisotropic nature. In this thesis, more emphasis is given on the interface between the skin and the stringer. The debonding effect of the interface is studied using cohesive zone model(CZM).

<div>An important challenge in predicting fatigue and creep crack growth is describing crack growth rates under transient conditions. Transient conditions occur when similitude is violated at the crack tip due to the applied loads or material behavior. Crack growth models like the Paris law, valid for homogeneous materials under constant-amplitude cyclic loading or sustained loading, no longer apply. Transient crack growth rates are strongly influenced by changes in plastic deformation at the crack tip. Activation of time-dependent damage and viscoplastic deformation at high temperatures further complicates the problem.</div><div><br></div><div>This thesis advances knowledge and predictive capabilities for transient creep and fatigue crack growth in metals, with specific applications to two technologically-relevant nickel-base superalloys. Finite element computations of crack growth following overloads and in multilayered materials are conducted. Crack extension is an outcome of the boundary value problem through an irreversible cohesive zone model and its interaction with plasticity and viscoplasticity in the bulk material.</div><div><br></div><div>First, fatigue crack growth in rate-independent materials is analyzed. The plasticity formulation considers both plastic strain and gradients of plastic strain, which produce hardening beyond that predicted by classical plasticity models. The computations demonstrate that hardening due to plastic strain gradients plays a significant role in transient fatigue crack growth following overloads. Fatigue crack growth transients associated with material inhomogeneity are studied through the case of a crack growing toward interfaces between plastically dissimilar materials. Interactions between the interface strength and the yield strength mismatch are found to govern crack growth rates near the interface. Hardening due to plastic strain gradients is important for finding the critical conditions associated with crack bifurcation at an interface and penetration through an interlayer.</div><div><br></div><div>Subsequently, crack growth in rate-dependent materials is analyzed. For materials characterized by power-law viscoplasticity, fatigue crack growth rates following overloads are found to depend strongly on the material rate sensitivity. The computations predict a transition from acceleration- to retardation-dominated post-overload crack growth as the rate sensitivity decreases. The predicted post-overload crack growth rates show good agreement with high-temperature experimentally-measured trends for Alloy 617, a solid solution strengthened nickel-base superalloy proposed for use in next-generation nuclear power plants. The results demonstrate why Alloy 617 behaves in a relatively brittle manner following overloads despite being characterized as a creep-ductile material. Crack growth is also studied in materials where rate dependence is captured through time-dependent damage and dislocation storage and dynamic recovery processes. This approach is relevant for high-strength creep-brittle materials, in which the viscoplastic zone grows with the advancing crack. The computations predict crack growth retardation for several loading waveforms containing overloads. The amount of retardation depends strongly on the overload ratio and subsequent unloading ahead of the crack tip. The predicted post-overload crack extension shows good agreement with high-temperature experimentally-measured trends for Alloy 718, a precipitation-hardened nickel-base superalloy used in turbine engines and power generation applications. The results demonstrate why Alloy 718 behaves in a ductile manner following overloads, despite being characterized as a creep-brittle material.</div>