Deformation, Fracture, and Friction Processes

The main mechanical and physical quantities and concepts ruling deformation, fracture, and friction processes are recalled, with particular attention paid to the simplicity of the analysis, but without betraying the scientific validity of the arguments. We particularly discuss the difference between between elastic and plastic deformation, and quasistatic and dynamic loadings, essential in avalanche triggering mechanisms. The physical origin of Griffith’s rupture criterion that rules both fracture nucleation and propagation, and the transition between brittle and ductile failure processes, is thoroughly discussed. We also explain the physical meaning of the classical Coulomb’s friction law, showing why it can hardly apply to a non-conventional porous, brittle, and healable solid like snow.

An analytical theory for the capillary bridge force between spheres

An analytical theory has been developed for properties of a steady, axisymmetric liquid–gas capillary bridge that is present between two identical, perfectly wettable, rigid spheres. In this theory the meridional profile of the capillary bridge surface is represented by a part of an ellipse. Parameters in this geometrical description are determined from the boundary conditions at the three-phase contact circle at the sphere and at the neck (i.e. in the middle between the two spheres) and by the condition that the mean curvature be equal at the three-phase contact circle and at the neck. Thus, the current theory takes into account properties of the governing Young–Laplace equation, contrary to the often-used toroidal approximation. Expressions have been developed analytically that give the geometrical parameters of the elliptical meridional profile as a function of the capillary bridge volume and the separation between the spheres. A rupture criterion has been obtained analytically that provides the maximum separation between the spheres as a function of the capillary bridge volume. This rupture criterion agrees well with a rupture criterion from the literature that is based on many numerical solutions of the Young–Laplace equation. An expression has been formulated analytically for the capillary force as a function of the capillary bridge volume and the separation between the spheres. The theoretical predictions for the capillary force agree well with the capillary forces obtained from the numerical solutions of the Young–Laplace equation and with those according to a comprehensive fit from the literature (that is based on many numerical solutions of the Young–Laplace equation), especially for smaller capillary bridge volumes.

The Significance of the Tertiary Creep Criterion in Setting Time-Dependent Allowable Stresses

The database for Alloy 800H was reviewed with respect to the initiation of tertiary creep and subsequent rupture. Data covered temperatures in the range of 600 to 1000°C and times to 100,000 hours. The establishment of the time to initiate tertiary creep presented a problem because of the non-classical behavior of creep often exhibited in the creep curves. Stress values based on the current tertiary creep and rupture criteria were compared for several heats of material considering both classical and non-classical creep data. Fits to tertiary creep showed more scatter and it was found that 80% of the minimum stress for tertiary creep was generally lower than 67% of the minimum stress to rupture. Using only data from classical curves did produce stress values higher than those from the rupture criterion.

Strain-Based Damage Tolerance of Cylindrical Shells Subjected to Transient Loading and Its Application

In this paper, a new approach to damage tolerance determination, which is related to the critical rupture strain, is proposed for cylindrical shells subjected to inner transient high-pressure loading. The relation of damage variable and circumferential plastic strain is deduced on the basis of a damage evolution equation as well as a simplified dynamic viscoplastic constitutive equation. The value of damage variable can be obtained then if the strain is known by strain measurement, and the damage tolerance just corresponds to the rupture strain of the structure. Further, the damage tolerance has been applied as the strain-based rupture criterion in the FE simulation of the dynamic fracture process for transient-pressurized cylindrical shells. Especially for the notched shells, the strain concentration effect of notches on the rupture criterion is analyzed quantitatively.

Damage Mechanisms and Rupture Criterion of PM Ti-6Al-4V at 20K

A two parameters rupture criterion for Ti-6Al-4V is proposed, based on cryogenic rupture tests. microstructural observations and FEM analysis,. The damage mechanisms including the cavities nucleation process are analyzed. Moreover, the final steps of rupture are discussed with the help of the thermo-mechanical coupling mechanisms that are expected to operate at low temperatures.