Cette thèse a pour objectif principal de développer un outil numérique capable de prédire la ductilité des matériaux polycristallins. Cet outil est basé sur le couplage de l’approche multi-échelles autocohérente à deux critères d’instabilités plastiques : la théorie de bifurcation et l’approche d’imperfection initiale. Le schéma autocohérent est utilisé pour déterminer le comportement d’un agrégat polycristallin (supposé représentatif du matériau étudié) à partir du comportement des monocristaux constitutifs. Le comportement à l’échelle monocristalline est formulé dans le cadre des grandes déformations élastoplastiques. Deux différentes versions du critère de Schmid sont successivement utilisées pour modéliser l’écoulement plastique monocristallin : la version classique et une version régularisée. Pour intégrer numériquement les équations constitutives à l’échelle monocristalline, deux algorithmes ont été développés : un algorithme de type évolutif et un algorithme de type retour radial. Les équations gouvernant le schéma autocohérent ont été revisitées. Pour résoudre ces équations, un nouvel algorithme numérique a été proposé, qui est montré être plus efficace que les algorithmes existants communément basés sur la méthode du point fixe. De plus, une approche numérique robuste a été développée, qui permet de coupler le modèle autocohérent à l’approche d’imperfection initiale. La performance ainsi que la robustesse des différents algorithmes et schémas numériques développés ont été mis en évidence à travers plusieurs résultats de simulation. L’effet de plusieurs paramètres et choix de modélisation sur la prédiction de formabilité des tôles métalliques a été extensivement analysé. / The main objective of this PhD thesis is to develop a numerical tool capable of predicting the ductility of polycrystalline materials. This tool is based on the coupling of the self-consistent multiscale approach with two plastic instability criteria: the bifurcation theory and the initial imperfection approach. The self-consistent scheme is used to derive the mechanical behavior of a polycrystalline aggregate (assumed to be representative of the studied material) from that of its microscopic constituents (the single crystals). The constitutive framework at the single crystal scale follows a finite strain rate-independent formulation. Two different versions of the Schmid law are successively used to model the plastic flow: the classical version and a regularized one. To solve the constitutive equations at the single crystal scale, two numerical algorithms have been developed: one is based on the usual return-mapping scheme and the other on the so-called ultimate scheme. The equations governing the self-consistent approach have been revisited. To solve these equations, a new numerical scheme has been developed, which is shown to be more efficient than the existing schemes commonly based on the fixed point method. Also, a robust numerical approach has been developed to couple the self-consistent model to the initial imperfection approach. The performance and the robustness of the different numerical schemes and algorithms developed have been highlighted through several simulation results. The impact of various parameters and modeling choices on the formability prediction of sheet metals has been extensively analyzed.

The doctoral thesis is focused on evaluation of global sensitivity analysis of load-carrying capacity of steel hot-rolled beams. These beams are subjected to lateral-torsional buckling, weak axis buckling and strong axis buckling. Very comprehensive computational models which were both geometrically and materially nonlinear were created in Ansys software using solid finite elements to calculate the load-carrying capacity. The computational models allowed modelling of random initial imperfections such as initial curvature, deviations of cross-section dimensions and steel properties. Sensitivity analysis quantified their influence on the load-carrying capacity. Simulation runs of random imperfections were generated using the Latin Hypercube Sampling method. Since the evaluation of sensitivity analysis of load-carrying capacity of all finite element models would cost an extreme amount of computer time, the thesis aimed at developing a meta-model (also known as surrogate model) based on approximation of FEM model. The approximation polynomial then facilitated the evaluation of sensitivity indices using a high number of simulation runs. At the end, the relationships between the slenderness and the first and second-order sensitivity indices are plotted in graphs. Those random input imperfections that influence the variability of load-carrying capacity the most are pointed out.

<p>A large rectangular industrial duct consists of plates stiffened with parallel wide flange sections. The plates along with stiffeners acts to resist the pressure loads and to carry other loads to the supports. The behaviours of the components of large industrial ducts are significantly different from the behaviours on which the current design methods are based on. Investigation presented herein deals with the design methods for spacing stiffeners, proportioning stiffeners and calculating shear resistance of side panel.</p> <p>Current method of spacing stiffeners is based on large deflection plate theory. A parametric study was conducted on dimensionless parameters identified in order to benefit from membrane action in partially yielding plate for spacing stiffeners. Design equations were established in terms of dimensionless pressure, plate slenderness and normalized out-of-plane deflection for three cases namely; 0%, 16.5% and 33% of through thickness yielding of the plate. Results show that approximately 50% increase in stiffener spacing when yielding of 16.5% of thickness is permitted.</p> <p>Under suction type pressure load, the unsupported compression flange and restrained tension flange lead to distortional buckling of the stiffeners. The current methods do not address distortional buckling adequately. A parametric study on dimensionless parameters governing the behaviour and strength of stiffened plat panels was conducted. The study indicated that the behaviour and strength of the stiffened panels could be a function of web slenderness and overall slenderness of the stiffener. The study also identified the slenderness limit of stiffener web for which the stiffener reaches the yield moment capacity. This study demonstrated the conservatism of current method. Finally a method was established to calculate the strength of stiffened plate panel subjected lateral pressure.</p> <p>Side panels adjacent to the supports transfer large amount of shear to the supports and, in addition, resist internal pressure. Currently the design of side panels for shear is based on the methods used for the web of fabricated plate girders. The behaviour and the characteristics between the web of plate girder and the thin side panels are significantly different. A parametric study was conducted on dimensionless parameters identified. It was concluded that the plate slenderness dominates the normalized shear strength of stockier side panels. The aspect ratio and plate slenderness influence the normalized shear strength of slender side panels. Design methods to calculate the shear strength of side panels were proposed.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)