scholarly journals Size Effect in Fracture of Sandwich Structure Components: Foam and Laminate

Author(s):  
Zdeněk P. Bažant ◽  
Yong Zhou ◽  
Drahomír Novák ◽  
Isaac M. Daniel

Abstract In the design of sandwich plates and shells for very large structures, such as ships in the range of 100 m length, it is very important to take the size effect on the nominal strength into account, and do so in a realistic, physically justified, manner. Before the size effect is addressed for a sandwich structure, it must be understood for its components — the foam core and the laminate skins. In the current practice, the size effects are automatically attributed to the randomness of material strength, as described by the Weibull theory. The purpose of this paper is to show that in both the foam and the laminate there are deterministic size effects, which are generally more pronounced. They are caused by stress redistribution and energy release due to the growth of large fractures or large cracking zones prior to attaining the maximum load. This deterministic size effect is verified and calibrated by new tests of notched specimens of rigid close-cell vinyl foam. A combined deterministic-probabilistic theory of size effect of the laminates is proposed and verified by extensive test data.

2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Luo ◽  
Zdeněk P. Bažant

The statistical size effect has generally been explained by the weakest-link model, which is valid if the failure of one representative volume element (RVE) of material, corresponding to one link, suffices to cause failure of the whole structure under the controlled load. As shown by the recent formulation of fishnet statistics, this is not the case for some architectured materials, such as nacre, for which one or several microstructural links must fail before reaching the maximum load or the structure strength limit. Such behavior was shown to bring about major safety advantages. Here, we show that it also alters the size effect on the median nominal strength of geometrically scaled rectangular specimens of a diagonally pulled fishnet. To derive the size effect relation, the geometric scaling of a rectangular fishnet is split into separate transverse and longitudinal scalings, for each of which a simple scaling rule for the median strength is established. Proportional combination of both then yields the two-dimensional geometric scaling and its size effect. Furthermore, a method to infer the material failure probability (or strength) distribution from the median size effect obtained from experiments or Monte Carlo simulations is formulated. Compared to the direct estimation of the histogram, which would require more than ten million test repetitions, the size effect method requires only a few (typically about six) tests for each of three or four structure sizes to obtain a tight upper bound on the failure probability distribution. Finally, comparisons of the model predictions and actual histograms are presented.


10.14311/612 ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (5-6) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Askes ◽  
A. Simone ◽  
L. J. Sluys

A nonlocal damage continuum and a viscoplastic damage continuum are used to model size effects. Three-point bending specimens are analysed, whereby a distinction is made between unnotched specimens, specimens with a constant notch and specimens with a proportionally scaled notch. Numerical finite element simulations have been performed for specimen sizes in a range of 1:64. Size effects are established in terms of nominal strength and compared to existing size effect models from the literature. 


1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zdeneˇk P. Bazˇant

The paper represents an extended text of a lecture presenting a review of recent results on scaling of failure in structures made of quasibrittle materials, characterized by a large fracture process zone, and examining the question of possible role of the fractal nature of crack surfaces in the scaling. The problem of scaling is approached through dimensional analysis, the laws of thermodynamics and asymptotic matching. Large-size and small-size asymptotic expansions of the size effect on the nominal strength of structures are given, for specimens with large notches (or traction-free cracks) as well as zero notches, and simple size effect formulas matching the required asymptotic properties are reported. The asymptotic analysis is carried out, in general, for fractal cracks, and the practically important case ofnonfractal crack propagation is acquired as a special case. Regarding the fractal nature of crack surfaces in quasibrittle materials, the conclusion is that it cannot play a signification role in fracture propagation and the observed size effect. The reason why Weibull statistical theory of random material strength does not explain the size effect in quasibrittle failures is explained. Finally, some recent applications to fracture simulation by particle models (discrete element method) and to the determination of size effect and fracture characteristics of carbon-epoxy composite laminates are briefly reviewed.


2009 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Yu ◽  
Zdeněk P. Bažant ◽  
John Bayldon ◽  
Jia-Liang Le ◽  
Ferhun C. Caner ◽  
...  

Knowledge of the size effect on the strength of hybrid bimaterial joints of steel and fiber composites is important for new designs of large lightweight ships, large fuel-efficient aircrafts, and lightweight crashworthy automobiles. Three series of scaled geometrically similar specimens of symmetric double-lap joints with a rather broad size range (1:12) are manufactured. The specimens are tested to failure under tensile displacement-controlled loading, and at rates that ensure the peak load to be reached within approximately the same time. Two series, in which the laminate is fiberglass G-10/FR4, are tested at Northwestern University, and the third series, in which the laminate consists of NCT 301 carbon fibers, is tested at the University of Michigan. Except for the smallest specimens in test series I, all the specimens fail by propagation of interface fracture initiating at the bimaterial corner. All the specimens fail dynamically right after reaching the maximum load. This observation confirms high brittleness of the interface failure. Thus, it is not surprising that the experiments reveal a marked size effect, which leads to a 52% reduction in nominal interface shear strength. As far as the inevitable scatter permits it to see, the experimentally observed nominal strength values agree with the theoretical size effect derived in Part II of this study, where the size exponent of the theoretical large-size asymptotic power law is found to be −0.459 for series I and II, and −0.486 for series III.


2001 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. P. Bazˇant

Based on the premise that large-scale failure of sea ice is governed by fracture mechanics, recently validated by Dempsey’s in situ tests of fracture specimens of a record-breaking size, this two-part study applies fracture mechanics and asymptotic approach to obtain approximate explicit formulas for the size effect in two fundamental problems. In the present Part I, the load capacity of a floating ice plate subjected to vertical load is determined, and in Part II, which follows, the horizontal force exerted by an ice plate moving against a fixed structure is analyzed in a similar manner. The resulting formulas for vertical loading agree with previous sophisticated numerical fracture simulations as well with the limited field tests of vertical penetration that exist. The results contrast with the classical predictions of material strength or plasticity theories, which in general exhibit no size effect on the nominal strength of the structure.


1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zdeneˇk P. Bazˇant ◽  
Isaac M. Daniel ◽  
Zhengzhi Li

Measurements of the size effect on the nominal strength of notched specimens of fiber composite laminates are reported. Tests were conducted on graphite/epoxy crossply and quasi-isotropic laminates. The specimens were rectangular strips of widths 6.4, 12.7, 25.4 and 50.8 mm (0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 in.) geometrically similar in two dimensions. The gage lengths were 25, 51, 102 and 203 mm (1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 in.). One set of specimens had double-edge notches and a [0/922]s crossply layup, and another set had a single-sided edge notch and a [0/±45/90]s, quasi-isotropic layup. It has been found that there is a significant size effect on the nominal strength. It approximately agrees with the size effect law proposed by Bazˇant, according to which the curve of the logarithm of the nominal strength versus the logarithm of size represents a smooth transition from a horizontal asymptote, corresponding to the strength criterion (plastic limit analysis), to an inclined asymptote of −0.5 slope, corresponding to linear elastic fracture mechanics. Optimum fits of the test results by the size effect law are obtained, and the size effect law parameters are then used to identify the material fracture characteristics, particularly the fracture energy and the effective length of the fracture process zone. Finally, the R-curves are also identified on the basis of the maximum load data. The results show that in design situations with notches or large initial traction-free cracks the size effect on the nominal strength of fiber composite laminates must be taken into account.


RSC Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (79) ◽  
pp. 75541-75551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Jiang ◽  
Jian Cai ◽  
Bing Liu ◽  
Yuebing Xu ◽  
Xiaohao Liu

Palladium particles of different sizes obtained directly and indirectly by various methods were studied to clarify the particle size effect in the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (CAL).


Author(s):  
Gap-Yong Kim ◽  
Muammer Koc ◽  
Jun Ni

Application of microforming in various research areas has received much attention due to the increased demand for miniature metallic parts that require mass production. For the accurate analysis and design of microforming process, proper modeling of material behavior at the micro/meso-scale is necessary by considering the size effects. Two size effects are known to exist in metallic materials. One is the “grain size” effect, and the other is the “feature/specimen size” effect. This study investigated the “feature/specimen size” effect and introduced a scaling model which combined both feature/specimen and grain size effects. Predicted size effects were compared with experiments obtained from previous research and showed a very good agreement. The model was also applied to forming of micro-features by coining. A flow stress model for Type 304 stainless steel taking into consideration the effect of the grain and feature size was developed and implemented into a finite element simulation tool for an accurate numerical analysis. The scaling model offered a simple way to model the size effect down to length scales of a couple of grains and extended the use of continuum plasticity theories to micro/meso-length scales.


2007 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 677-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lapo F. Mori ◽  
Neil Krishnan ◽  
Jian Cao ◽  
Horacio D. Espinosa

In this paper, the results of experiments conducted to investigate the friction coefficient existing at a brass-steel interface are presented. The research discussed here is the second of a two-part study on the size effects in friction conditions that exist during microextrusion. In the regime of dimensions of the order of a few hundred microns, these size effects tend to play a significant role in affecting the characteristics of microforming processes. Experimental results presented in the previous companion paper have already shown that the friction conditions obtained from comparisons of experimental results and numerical models show a size effect related to the overall dimensions of the extruded part, assuming material response is homogeneous. Another interesting observation was made when extrusion experiments were performed to produce submillimeter sized pins. It was noted that pins fabricated from large grain-size material (211μm) showed a tendency to curve, whereas those fabricated from billets having a small grain size (32μm), did not show this tendency. In order to further investigate these phenomena, it was necessary to segregate the individual influences of material response and interfacial behavior on the microextrusion process, and therefore, a series of frictional experiments was conducted using a stored-energy Kolsky bar. The advantage of the Kolsky bar method is that it provides a direct measurement of the existing interfacial conditions and does not depend on material deformation behavior like other methods to measure friction. The method also provides both static and dynamic coefficients of friction, and these values could prove relevant for microextrusion tests performed at high strain rates. Tests were conducted using brass samples of a small grain size (32μm) and a large grain size (211μm) at low contact pressure (22MPa) and high contact pressure (250MPa) to see whether there was any change in the friction conditions due to these parameters. Another parameter that was varied was the area of contact. Static and dynamic coefficients of friction are reported for all the cases. The main conclusion of these experiments was that the friction coefficient did not show any significant dependence on the material grain size, interface pressure, or area of contact.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 673-724 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavan Kumar ◽  
CV Srinivasa

Many review articles were published on free vibration and buckling of laminated composites, sandwich plates, and shells. The present article reviews the literature on the buckling and free vibration analysis of shear deformable isotropic and laminated composite sandwich plates and shells using various methods available for plates in the past few decades. Various theories, finite element modeling, and experimentations have been reported for the analysis of sandwich plates and shells. Few papers on functionally graded material plates, plates with smart skin (electrorheological, magnetorheological, and piezoelectric), and also viscoelastic materials were also reviewed. The scope for future research on sandwich plates and shells was also accessed.


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