Search results for " MEC"

Hybrid Equilibrium Finite Element Formulation for Cohesive Crack Propagation

2019

Equilibrium elements have been developed in hybrid formulation with independent equilibrated stress fields on each element. Traction equilibrium condition, at sides between adjacent elements and at sides of free boundary, is enforced by use of independent displacement laws at each side, assumed as Lagrangian parameters. The displacement degrees of freedom belongs to the element side, where an extrinsic interface can be embedded. The embedded interface is defined by the same stress fields of the hybrid equilibrium element and it does not require any additional degrees of freedom. The extrinsic interface is developed in the consistent thermodynamic framework of damage mechanics with internal …

Virtual Element Method: Micro-Mechanics Applications

2019

In this contribution we present an application of the lowest order Virtual Element Method (VEM) to the problem of material computational homogenization. Material homogenization allows retrieving material properties through suitable volume averaging procedures, starting from a detailed representation of the micro-constituents of the considered material. The representation of such microstructure constitutes a remarkable effort in terms of data/mesh preparation, especially when there is not evident microstructural regularity. For such a reason, computational micromechanics may represent a challenging benchmark for showing the potential of VEM. In this contribution, polycrystalline materials ar…

A Model for Low-Cycle Fatigue in Micro-Structured Materials

2019

A microscale formulation for low-cycle fatigue degradation in heterogeneous materials is presented. The interface traction-separation law is modelled by a cohesive zone model for low-cycle fatigue analysis, which is developed in a consistent thermodynamic framework of elastic-plastic-damage mechanics with internal variables. A specific fatigue activation condition allows to model the material degradation related to the elastic-plastic cyclic loading conditions, with tractions levels lower than the static failure condition. A moving endurance surface, in the classic framework of kinematic hardening, enables a pure elastic behaviour without any fatigue degradation for low levels of cyclic tra…

A Thermodynamically Consistent CZM for Low-Cycle Fatigue Analysis

2018

A cohesive zone model for low-cycle fatigue analysis is developed in a consistent thermodynamic framework of elastic-plastic-damage mechanics with internal variable. A specific fatigue activation condition allows to model the material degradation related to the elastic-plastic cyclic loading conditions, with tractions levels lower than the damage activation condition. A moving endurance surface, in the classic framework of kinematic hardening, enables a pure elastic behavior without any fatigue degradation for low levels loading conditions.

Error identities for variational problems with obstacles

2017

Generalised bisection method for optimum ultrasonic ray tracing and focusing in multi-layered structures

2021

Ultrasonic testing has been used for many decades, proving itself very efficient for detecting defects in many industrial sectors. The desire to apply ultrasonic testing to geometrically complex structures, and to anisotropic, inhomogeneous materials, together with the advent of more powerful electronics and software, is constantly pushing the applicability of ultrasonic waves to their limits. General ray tracing models, suitable for calculating the proper incident angle of single element probes and the proper time delay of phased array, are currently required. They can support the development of new imaging techniques, as Full Matrix Capture and Total Focusing Method, and the execution of …

The filter and calibration wheel for the ATHENA wide field imager

2016

The planned filter and calibration wheel for the Wide Field Imager (WFI) instrument on Athena is presented. With four selectable positions it provides the necessary functions, in particular an UV/VIS blocking filter for the WFI detectors and a calibration source. Challenges for the filter wheel design are the large volume and mass of the subsystem, the implementation of a robust mechanism and the protection of the ultra-thin filter with an area of 160 mm square. This paper describes performed trade-offs based on simulation results and describes the baseline design in detail. Reliable solutions are envisaged for the conceptual design of the filter and calibration wheel. Four different varian…

Stability of melt flow during magnetic sonication in a floating zone configuration

2018

Combined static and alternating magnetic fields are shown to create an oscillating pressure that can cause cavitation in molten metals. A time-averaged flow is also excited, consisting of two tori squeezed to thin boundary layers. Flow instability develops as a standing wave between these tori.

Laser Ultrasonics Inspection for Defect Evaluation on Train Wheel

2019

Abstract Passengers’ safety and in-service life of wheelset axles play an important role in railway vehicles. For this reason, periodic inspections are necessary. Among non-destructive techniques, ultrasonic ones are widely applied in this field. The main disadvantage of conventional ultrasonic techniques is that the overall inspection of wheels requires the train to be put out-of-service and disassembly each part, which is time-consuming and expensive. In this paper, a non-conventional non-contact laser ultrasonic inspection for train wheels is proposed. The proposed method uses a laser interferometer to receive the ultrasonic wave without contact. The receiving system allows choosing the …

Cold gas dynamic spray additive manufacturing today: Deposit possibilities, technological solutions and viable applications

2017

This paper reports the current potentials of cold gas dynamic spraying (CGDS). CGDS has been significantly developed to produce several functional solutions categorized as follows: deposits with a single powder nature, composites-based deposits, nanotechnological deposits and hybrid coating/substrate assemblies. CGDS process has improved in proficiency and is still gaining attention from scientists and industry. Covering a wide range of materials, both standard and advanced, this additive manufacturing process offers substantial applications for surface functionalization, structural or dimensional restoration, bulk production providing specific material properties, and art/decoration. Progr…