Development of numerical models for ductile fracture analysis of thermoviscoplastic metals under large strains

• Grant number: 21/03954-1
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: October 01, 2021 - September 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal researcher: João Paulo Pascon
• Grantee: João Paulo Pascon
• Home Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The analysis of ductile fracture in materials by means of finite elements considering large deformations and thermal effects is a promising, challenging and - at the same time - strategic field for the automotive, aerospace, naval and heavy industries, as well as for the design stages. The main objective of the present research project is the development of numerical tools, through finite elements, for ductile fracture modeling in highly deformable thermoviscoplastic metals. To this end, GTN-type formulations (Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman) will be used, which are described by continuous micromechanical models developed for the analysis of ductile damage in porous metals through the modeling of growth, nucleation and void coalescence. The project will be carried out on a mobile workstation, involving the following steps: bibliographic review to select specific constitutive models and numerical strategies to be implemented; development of computational codes from those already created by the proponent throughout his academic career; selection of mechanical / structural problems to be analyzed; computer simulations with the numerical tools developed; analysis of the results obtained with respect to the mechanical behavior of the material; and writing scientific articles. Although there is a vast bibliography on the topics of this project, the area of numerical modeling of ductile fracture of thermoviscoplastic materials in large deformations remains open to new investigations and new studies. In addition, this project opens the possibility of working together with other professors and researchers in related areas. The applicant has extensive experience with constitutive modeling in large deformations via finite elements for continuous and isothermal problems. From this project, it is expected that the teacher contributes to the area of numerical prediction of ductile fracture in highly deformable metals considering effects of temperature and strain rate. (AU)