32 research outputs found
Three-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations of void coalescence during dynamic fracture of ductile metals
Void coalescence and interaction in dynamic fracture of ductile metals have
been investigated using three-dimensional strain-controlled multi-million atom
molecular dynamics simulations of copper. The correlated growth of two voids
during the coalescence process leading to fracture is investigated, both in
terms of its onset and the ensuing dynamical interactions. Void interactions
are quantified through the rate of reduction of the distance between the voids,
through the correlated directional growth of the voids, and through correlated
shape evolution of the voids. The critical inter-void ligament distance marking
the onset of coalescence is shown to be approximately one void radius based on
the quantification measurements used, independent of the initial separation
distance between the voids and the strain-rate of the expansion of the system.
The interaction of the voids is not reflected in the volumetric asymptotic
growth rate of the voids, as demonstrated here. Finally, the practice of using
a single void and periodic boundary conditions to study coalescence is examined
critically and shown to produce results markedly different than the coalescence
of a pair of isolated voids.Comment: Accepted for publication in Physical Review
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Materials characterization through quantitative digital image analysis
A digital image analysis system has been developed to allow advanced quantitative measurement of microstructural features. This capability is maintained as part of the microscopy facility at Sandia, Livermore. The system records images digitally, eliminating the use of film. Images obtained from other sources may also be imported into the system. Subsequent digital image processing enhances image appearance through the contrast and brightness adjustments. The system measures a variety of user-defined microstructural features--including area fraction, particle size and spatial distributions, grain sizes and orientations of elongated particles. These measurements are made in a semi-automatic mode through the use of macro programs and a computer controlled translation stage. A routine has been developed to create large montages of 50+ separate images. Individual image frames are matched to the nearest pixel to create seamless montages. Results from three different studies are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the system
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J-Integral modeling and validation for GTS reservoirs.
Non-destructive detection methods can reliably certify that gas transfer system (GTS) reservoirs do not have cracks larger than 5%-10% of the wall thickness. To determine the acceptability of a reservoir design, analysis must show that short cracks will not adversely affect the reservoir behavior. This is commonly done via calculation of the J-Integral, which represents the energetic driving force acting to propagate an existing crack in a continuous medium. J is then compared against a material's fracture toughness (J{sub c}) to determine whether crack propagation will occur. While the quantification of the J-Integral is well established for long cracks, its validity for short cracks is uncertain. This report presents the results from a Sandia National Laboratories project to evaluate a methodology for performing J-Integral evaluations in conjunction with its finite element analysis capabilities. Simulations were performed to verify the operation of a post-processing code (J3D) and to assess the accuracy of this code and our analysis tools against companion fracture experiments for 2- and 3-dimensional geometry specimens. Evaluation is done for specimens composed of 21-6-9 stainless steel, some of which were exposed to a hydrogen environment, for both long and short cracks