COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY PROBLEMS BY THE GENERALIZED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

• Grant number: 25/00293-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Persival Baroncini Proenca
• Grantee: Sergio Persival Baroncini Proenca
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Carlos
• Associated researchers: Dorival Piedade Neto

Abstract

Computational analysis of structural integrity requires analytical and numerical formulations dedicated to modeling behavior in a failure regime. This regime may involve the evolution in isolated or combined modes of brittle/ductile, diffuse or concentrated damage, followed by the nucleation and propagation of discrete, single or multiple cracks. In this context, this project adheres to a line of research that can be called Computational Mechanics of Fracturing, where continuum mechanics and the generalized finite element method are associated to construct a general conceptual framework applicable to the description of brittle, quasi-brittle and ductile fracturing processes in static and dynamic loading regimes. Despite the vast bibliography available on the subject, there are many questions and gaps to be filled in order to better understand a truly complex phenomenon, which involves the coupling of multiphysical effects at different spatial and temporal scales. In order to advance in the search for original contributions, three lines of action will be considered: a) unified variational formulation bringing together models of diffuse and concentrated damage, fracture and phase fields; b) multiscale and multiphysical approach to fracturing; c) specialization and application of the generalized finite element method. In addition to civil and mechanical structures, applications of interest include those aimed at the aeronautical industry. In this context, of particular interest are the prediction of the behavior of structural elements formed by metamaterials (materials designed with a view to presenting a certain thermo-mechanical performance), as well as situations where the structural integrity is affected by processes of formation and propagation of discontinuities in the interfaces between different materials. (AU)