Italian Group Fracture (IGF): E-Journals / Gruppo Italiano Frattura
Not a member yet
2800 research outputs found
Sort by
Microstructure, Mechanical and Fractographic behaviour of the Diffusion Welded Joints of AA2219 and Ti-6Al-4V for aerospace applications
Diffusion welding is an advanced joining process that assures the feasibility of joining dissimilar metal alloys without producing metallurgical impurities at the joint interface. Two significant aerospace alloys, AA2219 and Ti-6Al-4V, are diffusion welded for the various holding times (30-120 minutes) by keeping the bonding temperature and pressure constant. The effect of holding time on the microstructure of the diffusion welded joints is evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the diffusion behaviour across the joint interface is ensued by the line scan energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The obtained results show that the hardness across the joint interface is increased with increase in holding time. Furthermore, the maximum shear strength of 143.58 MPa is achieved for the joint formed at the holding time of 90 minutes and reduced thereafter. The formation of a thick intermetallic layer at a higher holding time strongly affects the shear strength. It is evident from the resulting fractured surfaces that the joints predominantly failed at the bonding interface, showcasing the brittle kind of failure. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study on the fractured surfaces substantiates the formation of AlTi, Al2Ti and Al3Ti intermetallic compounds
Effect of temperature and adhesive defect on repaired structure using composite patch
In structural engineering, composite patch repairs are widely used to address cracked structures. However, their behavior under thermo-mechanical loading remains complex and less understood. This study examines the repair of a center-cracked plate subjected to both mechanical and thermo-mechanical environments, using finite element analysis in ANSYS. The repair effectiveness is evaluated using the Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) at the crack tip. Findings reveal that increased temperature substantially elevates SIF values. Boron/epoxy patches are most effective under mechanical loading, yielding the lowest SIF, while graphite/epoxy patches excel under thermo-mechanical loading due to their lower Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). Patch thickness influences SIF differently based on loading conditions; thicker patches decrease SIF under mechanical loading but increase it under thermo-mechanical loading. Furthermore, adhesive defects, particularly at the crack tip, markedly increase the risk of adhesive failure, especially under thermo-mechanical conditions. This research underscores the significant impact of temperature variations on the efficiency of structural repairs, contributing to a deeper understanding of composite patch repair performance in cracked structures
Numerical investigation of an extra-deep drawing process with industrial parameters: formability analysis and process optimization
Extra-deep drawing is one of the most important sheet metal forming processes. The appearance of rupture and wrinkling are the most commonly encountered problems in this process. These defects are also very common at a local company, particularly in the manufacturing of wheelbarrow trays. As a consequence, substantial time and costs are incurred in industrial production. To thoroughly analyze and address these defects, the extra-deep drawing operation of the wheelbarrow tray was modeled by the FE method using Abaqus software. A defect-free manufactured wheelbarrow tray was used to validate the accuracy of the numerical approach. Precise measurements of its dimensions were taken through the reverse engineering process using a 3D scanner. Furthermore, other measurements were made with an ultrasonic thickness gauge to have more precise measurements of the product’s thickness. Comparing experimental and numerical results showed good agreement. The outcomes of the numerical analysis indicate that the final shape of the wheelbarrow tray does not contain rupture or wrinkling defects, accurately corresponding to the real cases manufactured at the company. Numerical modeling and optimization of the extra-deep drawing process performed in this study could potentially reduce production losses and improve the overall efficiency of industrial manufacturing
Application of Machine Learning in Fracture Analysis of Edge Crack Semi-Infinite Elastic Plate
This paper discusses the application of machine learning techniques, notably artificial neural networks (ANN), in the fracture analysis of semi-infinite elastic plates with edge cracks. The Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) model for a semi-infinite plate with a tip crack is employed in the study, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is performed via ABAQUS CAE to build a comprehensive dataset containing numerical simulations data. To improve accuracy and reliability, data preprocessing is implemented, and ANN as a valuable machine learning model is trained with various variables describing crack propagation, stress distribution, and plate structure as input parameters. The suggested method is compared to established fracture analysis methods, proving its accuracy in predicting crack behavior and stress distribution under a variety of loading circumstances. The model provides useful insights into the behavior of edge cracks in semi-infinite elastic plates, enhancing material engineering and structural mechanics. The study demonstrates the potential of combining FEA and machine learning to improve fracture analysis capabilities, and it discusses limitations and future research directions, encouraging the exploration of advanced machine learning techniques and broader fracture scenarios for future fracture mechanics innovation
Influence of soil salinity on the bearing capacity of the frozen wall
The article describes the results of laboratory studies on the unfrozen water content and ultimate long-term strength of frozen clay and chalk samples in the temperature range from −10 to −25 °C. The soil samples contained dissolved salt in the pore space, with three types of salts (NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2) being considered. The findings indicate that the influence of the content and type of dissolved salt on the ultimate long-term strength of soils is realized indirectly through the unfrozen water content. In this case, the soil freezing characteristic curve in the region of negative temperatures significantly depends on both the type of dissolved salt and its quantity. The experimental data obtained were used to parameterize the model and calculate the maximum bearing capacity of the frozen wall (FW) in the presence of dissolved salts in the volume of frozen soils. It has been demonstrated that the decrease in the maximum FW bearing capacity is substantial with the appearance of dissolved salt in the pore space of the soils. This decrease is at-tributed to the combined effects of two factors: 1) a reduction in the FW thickness and 2) a decrease in the frozen soil strength due to an increase in the amount of unfrozen water content in the soil pore space. The second factor is deemed more significant
Crack resistance of carbonized layer of multilayer polyurethane with nanofillers. Combination of casting, solution, carbonization by ion implantation technologies
The paper describes the results of an experimental study of a polyurethane material treated by ion implantation technology. The problems of crack growth in the near-surface layer carbonized by ion treatment were investigated using digital optical microscopy. The methods of atomic force microscopy allowed studying the possibility of carbonized layers delamination from the substrate. As a result, the technology for the production of a multilayer polyurethane material with nanofillers (nanotubes, nanodiamonds, fullerenes, graphenes) and its optimal modification by ion implantation treatment was developed, which makes it possible to improve the biocompatibility of polyurethane implants with human tissues
Impact of earthquake’s epicenter distance to failure of the embankment – A seismic prediction
Cracks in clayey soil cause a reduction in the seismic loading capacity which can lead to structural failures. Seismic acceleration is the primary cause of crack propagation and damage to the earth's structure. This study investigated the impact of the earthquake's epicenter distance on the embankment model with a pre-existing crack in the embankment's core. The research adopted the numerical modeling method of soil categorized as a no-tensile material to explain displacement in selected points of the model using the extended finite element method (XFEM). Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were used to predict displacement obtained by XFEM. It was observed that the failure pattern and the maximum displacement time of the model change with the associated distance of the earthquake's epicenter. The key study objective is to understand the model's failure mode and introduce a new classification in earthquake damage prediction
Material choice to optimise the performance index of isogrid structures
Three key qualities should define the structures used in the aviation industry: they should be light, rigid, and strong. These goals can be met by selecting lightweight, high-performance materials like titanium alloy or composites, but careful structural design is also crucial to improve mechanical performance. The structures known as isogrids, which consist of a skin reinforced by a lattice frame, offer an effective way to meet the aforementioned specifications. The structural performances of isogrid-stiffened cylinders composed of various materials were compared in the current work. The structures under investigation were composed of titanium alloy, carbon fibre composite material, or a combination of both. A FEM model was proposed and validated by comparison with experimental results obtained from a composite material structure, and then it was used to simulate the behaviour of all the other structures. While there was some variation in the strength of the parts, it was discovered that the stiffness was almost uniform throughout all of the structures that were examined. But when the weight of the various constructions was taken into account, some very intriguing findings emerged: the composite material-only structure proved to be the most effective because it had the highest specific performances
The impact of utilizing UHPFRC in beam-column joints with different patterns of transverse reinforcement
This research studies and assesses the possibility of employing UHPFRC in exterior beam-column joints (BCJs). Eight specimens with various concrete material characteristics and steel reinforcing details are cast and examined under repeated loads. Normal concrete with seismic reinforcing details is used as a control specimen. For certain specimens, UHPC, UHPFRC with 1% steel fiber, and UHPFRC with 2% steel fiber are poured into all BCJs, and others are poured into the critical zone only. The consequences of removing stirrups from the joint were studied. All specimens' crack patterns, hysteresis and envelope curves, ductility factor, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation are assessed and corresponded to the control sample. The results demonstrate that UHPFRC strengthened the joint, prevented crack development and extension and the shear failure in the joint, and formed the plastic hinge in the beams. UHPFRC outperforms normal concrete with seismic reinforcing details and UHPC without steel fiber in bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness, and energy dissipation. UHPFRC with 1% steel fiber enhanced joint behavior, while UHPFRC with 2% steel fiber was better. Casting the whole sample with UHPFRC achieved very little improvement. The presence of stirrups in the UHPFRC beam-column joint has little effect on its properties. It is more economical to casting UHPFRC in the joint zone only and reduce or eliminate these stirrups in the case of UHPFR
Efficiency of shape memory alloy seismic restrainers for several conditions of bridge joints
Movement joints are needed in bridges to accommodate longitudinal expansion and contraction. Enough joint width needs to be available to accommodate not only longitudinal expansion but also expected movements of joints during earthquakes. This may result in excessive joint openings. Devices that can dissipate energy have been suggested to reduce joint displacements. Shape memory alloy (SMA) is one of these energy dissipation devices, which is well known for its ability to return to its natural shape after being deformed. Several cases of bridges and different conditions of seismic events are modeled and tested using developed software programs in MATLAB to show the efficiency of using SMA inside bridge joint openings. These models include the case of two adjacent frames with SMA inside them (2–frames), the case of multi–frames with constant hysteretic SMAs between every two of them (N–frames), the case of multi–frames with constant hysteretic SMAs taking the delay of seismic forces between frames into consideration (delay), and the case of variable masses of bridge frames. Also, parametric studies are performed to show the impacts of all parameters of bridge frames and SMA retrofit devices on seismically joint openings. The results show that the superelastic SMA device plays a huge role in controlling bridge opening and enables limiting the joint width of all models during earthquakes with different values reaching 60% in some cases depending on bridge frame properties, ground motion characteristics, and the hysteretic properties of SMA devices