Two models based on local microscopic relaxations to explain long-term basic creep of concrete

In this study, we propose an exhaustion model and an adapted work-hardening model to explain the long-term basic creep of concrete. In both models, the macroscopic creep strain originates from local microscopic relaxations. The two models differ in how the activation energies of those relaxations are distributed and evolve during the creep process. With those models, at least up to a few dozen MPa, the applied stress must not modify the rate at which those relaxations occur, but only enables the manifestation of each local microscopic relaxation into an infinitesimal increment of basic creep strain. The two models capture equally well several phenomenological features of the basic creep of concrete. They also make it possible to explain why the indentation technique enables the quantitative characterization of the long-term kinetics of logarithmic creep of cement-based materials orders of magnitude faster than by macroscopic testing. The models hint at a physical origin for the relaxations that is related to disjoining pressures.

Evaluation of Through-Thickness Residual Stresses by Neutron Diffraction and Finite-Element Method in Thick Weld Plates

Through-thickness distributions of the welding residual stresses were studied in the range of 50–100 mm thick plates by using finite-element modeling (FEM) and neutron diffraction measurements. In order to simulate the residual stresses through the thickness of the thick weld joints, this paper proposes a two-dimensional generalized plane strain (GPS) finite-element model coupled with the mixed work hardening model. The residual stress distributions show mostly asymmetric parabola profiles through the thickness of the welds and it is in good correlation with the neutron diffraction results. Both the heat input and plate thickness have little influence on the residual stress distributions due to the relatively large constraints of the thick specimen applied for each welding pass. A general formula has been suggested to evaluate the distributions of the through-thickness residual stresses in thick welds based on FEM and neutron diffraction experimental results.

Modelling the Recrystallization Behaviour during Industrial Processing of Aluminium Alloys

The microstructure evolution in commercial AlMgSi alloys during and after extrusion of a simple U-shaped profile has been modelled. The strain, strain rate and temperature along a set of particle paths are taken from FE-HyperXtrude simulations and used as input to the work hardening model ALFLOW, to predict the evolution of the subgrain size and dislocation density during deformation. As soon as the profile leaves the die, the subsequent recovery and recrystallization behaviour is modelled with the softening model ALSOFT. This procedure enables the modelling of recrystallization profiles, i.e. the fraction recrystallized through the wall thickness of the extruded profile. The sensitivity to chemistry (alloy composition), profile deflection and the cooling rate at the die exit has been investigated by means of a set of generic modelling cases.

Sixth Drawing Process Analysis for Electrodeposited Nickel Coating Battery Shells

A finite element method is used to simulate the sixth drawing process of nickel coating battery shells. The material’s mechanical parameters are tested and shown and the forming tool parameters are given. The Belytschko-Wong-Chiang shell elements are used and the kinematical work hardening model is adopted for the sheets. The stress-strain field in the components in the forming processes is obtained. The nickel coating yielded at the drawing process, the effective plastic strain reached 0.3769-0.7524. The coated sheet does not delaminate in the bonding interface during the deformation process. This study can aid the production of coating battery shells.