In this work the compression behavior of masonry was investigated. After a detailed review of code approaches and different research works, a new formula was suggested to describe the compression strength of masonry, based on the mechanical and geometrical properties of its components, when deformation properties of units are larger than the ones of mortar. Later on, a new model, Extended Drucker-Prager Cap Yielding Function, is suggested to describe the three axial compression stress state of mortar in masonry in case deformation properties of mortar are larger than the ones of mortar, and to describe the three axial compression stress state of brick in the other case. This includes defining its parameters based on test diagrams of the mortar material, implementing the model in the numerical software ANSYS, and the numerical results are evaluated for simple cube example. The controlling equations of creep based on the visco-elastic creep theory are presented in the general case of three axial creep under three axial loading conditions. The special case of three axial creep under axial loading is also presented. The “transversal creep” relevant for the compression strength of masonry was discussed and numerical examples have been added to show the effect of changed time-dependent Poisson’s ratio. In another chapter, many examples are presented showing the application of the suggested material models and discontinuous numerical method named eXtended finite element method. Conclusions and recommendations are given in the last chapter.

No description available.

Computational micromechanics analysis of carbon nanotube-epoxy nanocomposites, containing aligned nanotubes, is performed using the mesh independent intrinsic extended finite element method (IXFEM). The IXFEM employs a localized intrinsic enrichment strategy to treat arbitrary discontinuities defined through the level-set method separate from the problem domain discretization, i.e. the finite element (FE) mesh. A global domain decomposition identifies local subdomains for building distinct partition of unities that appropriately suit the approximation. Specialized inherently enriched shape functions, constructed using the moving least square method, enhance the approximation space in the vicinity of discontinuity interfaces, maintaining accuracy of the solution, while standard FE shape functions are used elsewhere. Comparison of the IXFEM in solving validation problems with strong and weak discontinuities against a standard finite element method (FEM) and analytic solutions validates the enriched intrinsic bases, and shows anticipated trends in the error convergence rates. Applying the IXFEM to model composite materials, through a representative volume element (RVE), the filler agents are defined as individual weak bimaterial interfaces. Though a series of RVE studies, calculating the effective elastic material properties of carbon nanotube-epoxy nanocomposite systems, the benefits in substituting the conventional mesh dependent FEM with the mesh independent IXFEM when completing micromechanics analysis, investigating effects of high filler count or an evolving microstructure, are demonstrated. / Master of Science

In recent years, composite materials have been widely used in several applications due to their superior mechanical properties including high strength, high stiffness, and low density. Despite the remarkable advancements in theoretical and computational methods for analyzing composites, investigating the effect of lamina properties and lay-up configurations on the strength of composites still remains an active field of research. Finite Element Method (FEM) and Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) are powerful tools for solving the boundary value problems. One of the objectives of this work is to employ XFEM as a defect identification tool for predicting the crack initiation and propagation in composites. Another major objective of this study is to investigate the damage development in hyperelastic materials. Two Finite Element models are adopted to study this phenomenon: multiscale modeling of the cord-rubber composites in tires and modeling of intelligent tires for evaluating the feasibility of the proposed defect detection technique. A new three-dimensional finite element approach based on the multiscale progressive failure analysis is employed to provide the theoretical predictions for damage development in the cord-rubber composites in tires. This new three-dimensional model of the cord-rubber composite is proposed to predict the different types of damage including matrix cracking, delamination, and fiber failure based on the micro-scale analysis. This process is iterative and data is shared between the finite element and multiscale progressive failure analysis. It is shown that the proposed cord-rubber composite model solves the problems corresponding to embedding the rebar elements to the solid elements and also increases the fidelity of numerical analysis of composite parts since the laminate characteristic variables are determined from the microscopic parameters. A tire rolling analysis is then conducted to evaluate the effects of different variables corresponding to the cord-rubber composite on the performance of tires. Tires operate on the principle of safe life and are the only parts of the vehicle which are in contact with the road surface. Establishing a computational method for defect detection in tire structures will help manufacturers to fix and develop more reliable tire designs. A Finite Element model of a tire with a tri-axial accelerometer attached to its inner-liner was developed and the effects of changing the normal load, longitudinal velocity and tire-road contact friction on the acceleration signal were investigated. Additionally, using the model, the acceleration signals obtained from several accelerometers placed in different locations around the inner-liner of the intelligent tire were analyzed and the defected areas were successfully identified. Using the new intelligent tire model, the lengths, locations, and the minimum number of accelerometers in damage detection in tires are determined. Comparing the acceleration signals obtained from the damaged and original tire models results in detecting defects in tire structures. / PHD

Composite laminates are being more employed as fundamental structures due to its low weight and high stiffness. An example of this innovation is the primary structures of modern aircraft, which are lighter than the material formerly used. To predict the material response as load gradually increases can be quite demanding due to composite\'s complex failure mechanism. Hence superior computational models should be further investigated to precisely predict the mechanical behavior of composite media. This dissertation addresses an extended finite element procedure based on the layerwise displacement theory to simulate purely mode I delamination failure in composite laminates. The present model has the potential to perform structural analyzes in a pre-delaminated structure and also considering progressive failure. The type of element to be employed at the discretion of the model is the rectangular 4-node iso-parametric homogeneous element whose displacement field is approximated based in the layerwise theory. There are four types of degrees of freedom, one displacement in each direction, and one degree of freedom associated to the strong discontinuity. Numerical examples already solved in the bibliography are suggested in this dissertation, which demonstrate the potential of the model developed to accurately simulate pure mode I delamination in case of the investigation here is further elaborated. In addition, one possibility of future development of this dissertation is the modeling of fracture mode I without the need to discretize the cohesive planes as realized in traditional Cohesive Zone Methods. / Compósitos laminados estão sendo mais empregados como estruturas fundamentais devido ao seu baixo peso e alta rigidez. Um exemplo dessa inovação são as estruturas primárias das aeronaves modernas, que são mais leves do que as os materiais empregados antigamente. Prever a resposta do material à medida que a carga aumenta gradualmente pode ser difícil devido ao complexo mecanismo de falha dos compósitos. Portanto, modelos computacionais mais refinados devem ser investigados a fim de se prever um comportamento mecânico mais preciso. Esta dissertação aborda um procedimento de elementos finitos estendido baseado na teoria de deslocamento layerwise para simular falhas de delaminação modo I em laminados compósitos. O modelo abordado tem potencial para realizar análises em uma estrutura prédelaminada além de falha progressiva. O tipo de elemento a ser empregado na discrição do modelo é o isoparamétrico, homogêneo de 4 nós, retangular, e o campo de deslocamento é baseado na teoria layerwise. Existem quatro tipos de graus de liberdade, um deslocamento em cada direção, e um grau de liberdade associado à forte. Sugere-se nesse trabalho, exemplos, que são comparados com a bibliografia, e que apontam que o modelo desenvolvido nesta dissertação tem o potencial de simular o fenômeno de delaminação em modo I com acurácia, caso o estudo nessa dissertação seja estendido. Além disso, uma possibilidade de desenvolvimento futuro desse trabalho é a modelagem da fratura modo I sem a necessidade de discretizar os planos coesivos entre as lâminas, como realizado em métodos coesivos tradicionais.

Motivados pelas atuais tendências e suportados pelo grande interesse de indústrias do segmento aeronáutico, estudos e desenvolvimentos vêm sendo conduzidos na área de análise estrutural de materiais compósitos. Todavia, mesmo havendo várias contribuições científicas e tecnológicas nesta área, este assunto continua sendo um campo aberto e bastante promissor para novas pesquisas, devido a sua extensa complexidade e imediata aplicação. A ausência de um modelo capaz de projetar com elevada precisão uma estrutura aeronáutica com presença de escalonamento fabricada em material compósito, que pode sofrer modo de falha translaminar, motivou o presente trabalho. É sabido que o método de elementos finitos estendidos (XFEM - eXtendend Finite Element Method, do Inglês) vem sendo usado de maneira robusta para análise de propagação de trincas em elementos estruturais tridimensionais isotrópicos durante os últimos anos, mas não em compósitos. De forma a contribuir com a pequena quantidade de trabalhos científicos referentes a métodos XFEM 3D para análise de estruturas fabricadas em materiais compósitos não convencionais, como estruturas com escalonamento de camadas e laminados espessos, é apresentada uma nova metodologia implementada como uma ferramenta computacional para analisar quase estaticamente este tipo de estrutura. O modelo é baseado no aprimoramento do \"Método da Seção de Ouro\" que é aplicado em conjunto com uma versão aprimorada do critério de falha de Puck, permitindo assim definir com precisão e baixo custo computacional a iniciação e direção de uma trinca. Esta informação é utilizada para iniciar uma rotina baseada em XFEM, que é usada para o enriquecimento dos elementos finitos que vão falhando progressivamente durante a análise. A nova metodologia (implementada computacionalmente) apresenta convergência uma ordem de grandeza maior quando comparada com o algoritmo tradicional, sendo aproximadamente 20 vezes mais eficiente em termos computacionais. O modelo é ainda avaliado quanto a seus resultados em comparação com dados provenientes de ensaios experimentais, demonstrando uma boa convergência entre as previsões computacionais e os resultados obtidos em laboratório. / Supported by current trends and by the great interest of aeronautic industries, studies and developments have been made in the field of high performance composite materials. Nonetheless, even with the scientific and technological contributions, the matter is still a field wide open and promising for new research due to its high complexity and immediate application. The absence of a model capable of universally reproducing mechanical behavior of composite materials tapered structures, which can suffer translaminar failure mode, motivated the present work. It is well known that the eXtended Finite Elements Method (XFEM) has been used robustly for analysis of crack propagation in isotropic tri-dimensional structural elements lately but not for composites. In order to contribute with the scares amount of available works on 3D XFEM application on non-conventional composite material structures, such as tapered structures and thick laminates, a new methodology is presented as a computational tool for quasi-static analysis of this type of component. The model derives from \"Golden Section Method\" that is applied along with an enhanced version of Puck\'s failure criterion, which allows a low computational cost and high precision estimation of crack initiation and direction of propagation. This information is used to trigger an XFEM based routine that is applied for enriching the elements progressively during analysis. The new methodology (computationally implemented) has a convergence rate one order of magnitude greater than traditional implementation, roughly 20 times more efficient in terms of computational processing. Finally, to assure robustness, the model is validated against standardized and specifically developed experiments, showing good convergence between numerical predictions and results obtained in the laboratory.

Die Arbeit beschreibt eine Modellierung des Materialverhaltens von Faser-Kunststoff-Verbunden unter Berücksichtigung der lokalen Materialstruktur, den konstitutiven Eigenschaften der Verbundbestandteile sowie charakteristischer Schädigungsphönomene. Die Diskretisierung eines repräsentativen Ausschnitts der Materialstruktur erfolgt unter Verwendung der erweiterten Finiten-Elemente-Methode (XFEM). Sie ermöglicht die effiziente Modellierung des Steifigkeitssprunges an den inneren Materialgrenzen und deren Versagen. Der Verlauf der Elementgrenzen muss dabei nicht an die Materialstruktur angepasst werden. Für die Beschreibung der Dehnratenabhängigkeit der polymeren Matrix wird ein Modell der nichtlinearen fraktionalen Viskoelastizität angewendet. Die Kombination mit einem nichtlokalen Kontinuumsschädigungsmodell ermöglicht weiterhin die Modellierung einer verzerrungsgesteuerten Schädigung des Matrixwerkstoffs. Die Parametrisierung, Validierung des Gesamtmodells erfolgt anhand ausgewählter experimenteller Untersuchungen an einem unidirektional verstärkten Glasfaser-Polypropylen-Verbund. / The thesis addresses the modelling of the material behavior of fibre reinforced polymers. It systematically includes the influence of the local material structure, the mechanical behaviour of the consituents and characteristic damage phenomena. The diskretisation of a representative volume element of the material structure is based on the extended finite element method (XFEM). It allows for an efficient modelling of the stiffness jump at internal material boundaries as well as their damage. With the XFEM, the element boundaries are no longer required to coincide with the material structure. The approximation of the strain rate dependence of the polymeric matrix is based on a nonlinear, fractional viscoelasticity approach. Its combination with a nonlocal strain driven continuum damage modell allows for the modelling of damage effects. The parametrisation and validation of the overall approach is based on a comparison with experimental results for a unidirectional reinforced glass-fibre-polypropylene composite.

Composite laminates are being more employed as fundamental structures due to its low weight and high stiffness. An example of this innovation is the primary structures of modern aircraft, which are lighter than the material formerly used. To predict the material response as load gradually increases can be quite demanding due to composite\'s complex failure mechanism. Hence superior computational models should be further investigated to precisely predict the mechanical behavior of composite media. This dissertation addresses an extended finite element procedure based on the layerwise displacement theory to simulate purely mode I delamination failure in composite laminates. The present model has the potential to perform structural analyzes in a pre-delaminated structure and also considering progressive failure. The type of element to be employed at the discretion of the model is the rectangular 4-node iso-parametric homogeneous element whose displacement field is approximated based in the layerwise theory. There are four types of degrees of freedom, one displacement in each direction, and one degree of freedom associated to the strong discontinuity. Numerical examples already solved in the bibliography are suggested in this dissertation, which demonstrate the potential of the model developed to accurately simulate pure mode I delamination in case of the investigation here is further elaborated. In addition, one possibility of future development of this dissertation is the modeling of fracture mode I without the need to discretize the cohesive planes as realized in traditional Cohesive Zone Methods. / Compósitos laminados estão sendo mais empregados como estruturas fundamentais devido ao seu baixo peso e alta rigidez. Um exemplo dessa inovação são as estruturas primárias das aeronaves modernas, que são mais leves do que as os materiais empregados antigamente. Prever a resposta do material à medida que a carga aumenta gradualmente pode ser difícil devido ao complexo mecanismo de falha dos compósitos. Portanto, modelos computacionais mais refinados devem ser investigados a fim de se prever um comportamento mecânico mais preciso. Esta dissertação aborda um procedimento de elementos finitos estendido baseado na teoria de deslocamento layerwise para simular falhas de delaminação modo I em laminados compósitos. O modelo abordado tem potencial para realizar análises em uma estrutura prédelaminada além de falha progressiva. O tipo de elemento a ser empregado na discrição do modelo é o isoparamétrico, homogêneo de 4 nós, retangular, e o campo de deslocamento é baseado na teoria layerwise. Existem quatro tipos de graus de liberdade, um deslocamento em cada direção, e um grau de liberdade associado à forte. Sugere-se nesse trabalho, exemplos, que são comparados com a bibliografia, e que apontam que o modelo desenvolvido nesta dissertação tem o potencial de simular o fenômeno de delaminação em modo I com acurácia, caso o estudo nessa dissertação seja estendido. Além disso, uma possibilidade de desenvolvimento futuro desse trabalho é a modelagem da fratura modo I sem a necessidade de discretizar os planos coesivos entre as lâminas, como realizado em métodos coesivos tradicionais.

Nous présentons dans ce mémoire l'influence que peuvent avoir les écoulements de fluide au sein de la matrice rocheuse fracturée, laquelle est sujette aux variations locales ou régionales de l'état de contrainte in situ. Du fait de l'augmentation de la pression de pore, la longueur et l'ouverture de la (les) fracture(s) peuvent subir des variations significatives et conduire à la formation de chemins préférentiels pour l'écoulement du fluide dans le milieu géologique. Les modèles théorique et numérique évoqués ici sont des modèles de comportement hydro-mécanique pour le milieu poreux saturé en présence d'une seule phase fluide. La méthode des éléments finis étendue (XFEM) est utilisée afin de modéliser la dynamique des fractures ainsi que les écoulements de fluide dans la matrice rocheuse fracturée, sans être tributaire de la dépendance au maillage. Ainsi, nous considérons: (i) qu'il existe une pression fluide induite par l'écoulement au sein de la fracture, (ii) que la dynamique de la fracture est gérée grâce à un modèle de zone cohésive en supposant un chemin de propagation prédéfini, et (iii) que des échanges entre la fracture et la matrice poreuse peuvent se produire. Ce dernier aspect sera pris en compte en introduisant, dans la formulation du problème couplé, un champ de multiplicateur de Lagrange. Ce champ résulte de la dualisation de la condition d'égalité entre la pression de pore et de la pression de fluide au niveau des parois de la fracture. Afin de respecter les contraintes liées à XFEM, nous avons choisi d'introduire dans la formulation une loi cohésive non-régularisée de type Talon-Curnier. Ce type de loi est capable de gérer la propagation et/ou la refermeture de la fracture. Le modèle HM-XFEM a été validé à partir des solutions analytiques du modèle 2D de fracture KGD, et ce, pour différents régimes de propagation. Nous avons ensuite appliqué le modèle HM-XFEM au cas d'un réseau de fractures non connectées entre elles et évoluant sur des chemins de propagation prédéfinis, afin d'analyser comment les fractures d'un réseau peuvent influer les unes sur les autres lorsqu'elles sont soumises à un écoulement. En particulier, une étude paramétrique a été menée afin de montrer l'influence que peuvent avoir la viscosité, le débit d'injection et l'écartement entre les fractures sur leur propagation. Une attention particulière sera porté à l'évolution du stress-shadowing effect (i.e. modification de l'état de contrainte due à l'effet d'interaction entre les fractures). / In the present work, we address the issue of groundwater flow in the fractured porous media submitted to local or regional stress-state variations. Due to the increasing pore fluid pressure, the length and aperture distribution of the fractures are modified resulting in the formation of preferential flow channels within the geological formation. The numerical approach proposed is a fully coupled hydro-poro-mechanical model in saturated conditions involving single-phase flow both in fractures and in the porous matrix. The extended finite element method (XFEM) is employed for modeling fracture dynamics and flow calculation for fracture which do not lie on the mesh but cross through the elements. In this study: (i) we consider the pressure build up generated by fluid flow inside and through the fracture, (ii) the fracture dynamics by using a cohesive zone model (CZM) on pre-existing propagation path and (iii) fluid exchanges may occur in between fractures and porous medium. The last specification of the HM-XFEM model is taken into account through the introduction of a Lagrange multiplier field along the fracture path. These fields are the result of the dualised condition of pressure continuity between the pore pressure and the fluid pressure inside the fracture. As a function of the Lagrange multiplier value, both permeable and impervious fractures can be considered. The cohesive law employed is a non-regularized-type cohesive law to ensure propagation and eventually closure of the fracture. Validation of the model has been conducted by means of the well-known KGD fracture model when different propagation regimes are considered. We applied the HM-XFEM model to the case of multi-stage fracture network stimulated by the injection of incompressible fluid at constant rate. Fractures are not connected to each other and evolve on pre-existing propagation paths. We aim at appreciating the influence of the fluid viscosity, the injection rate and spacing between each fracture, on the fracture propagation. A peculiar attention is paid to the stress-shadowing effect (i.e. interaction between fractures).

Die Arbeit beschreibt eine Modellierung des Materialverhaltens von Faser-Kunststoff-Verbunden unter Berücksichtigung der lokalen Materialstruktur, den konstitutiven Eigenschaften der Verbundbestandteile sowie charakteristischer Schädigungsphönomene. Die Diskretisierung eines repräsentativen Ausschnitts der Materialstruktur erfolgt unter Verwendung der erweiterten Finiten-Elemente-Methode (XFEM). Sie ermöglicht die effiziente Modellierung des Steifigkeitssprunges an den inneren Materialgrenzen und deren Versagen. Der Verlauf der Elementgrenzen muss dabei nicht an die Materialstruktur angepasst werden. Für die Beschreibung der Dehnratenabhängigkeit der polymeren Matrix wird ein Modell der nichtlinearen fraktionalen Viskoelastizität angewendet. Die Kombination mit einem nichtlokalen Kontinuumsschädigungsmodell ermöglicht weiterhin die Modellierung einer verzerrungsgesteuerten Schädigung des Matrixwerkstoffs. Die Parametrisierung, Validierung des Gesamtmodells erfolgt anhand ausgewählter experimenteller Untersuchungen an einem unidirektional verstärkten Glasfaser-Polypropylen-Verbund. / The thesis addresses the modelling of the material behavior of fibre reinforced polymers. It systematically includes the influence of the local material structure, the mechanical behaviour of the consituents and characteristic damage phenomena. The diskretisation of a representative volume element of the material structure is based on the extended finite element method (XFEM). It allows for an efficient modelling of the stiffness jump at internal material boundaries as well as their damage. With the XFEM, the element boundaries are no longer required to coincide with the material structure. The approximation of the strain rate dependence of the polymeric matrix is based on a nonlinear, fractional viscoelasticity approach. Its combination with a nonlocal strain driven continuum damage modell allows for the modelling of damage effects. The parametrisation and validation of the overall approach is based on a comparison with experimental results for a unidirectional reinforced glass-fibre-polypropylene composite.