Three-dimensional Isogeometric BEM formulation for Cohesive Crack Propagation Modelling in Reinforced Materials

• Grant number: 20/13151-0
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): September 15, 2021
• Effective date (End): September 14, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal researcher: Edson Denner Leonel
• Grantee: Antonio Rodrigues Neto
• Supervisor abroad: Jon Trevelyan
• Home Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Durham University (DU), England
• Associated to the scholarship: 18/20253-4 - Numerical formulations based on the isogeometric boundary element method for the collapse analysis of three-dimensional reinforced nonhomogeneous solids, BP.DR

Abstract

This research proposal deals with the development of nonlinear three-dimensional formulations based on the Isogeometric version of the Boundary Element Method (IGABEM) for the cohesive fracture modelling of reinforced materials. The BEM is accurate for the solution of fracture problems. Its mesh dimensionality properties provide the accurate modelling of the stresses concentrations at the crack tips and lead to the less complex remeshing procedures during the crack growth. Moreover, the IGA approach represents the geometry and mechanical fields by non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS). Then, the IGABEM allows for the straightforward coupling with computer-aided design (CAD) software, which leads to the efficient design strategy. The cohesive crack approach represents the residual material resistance at the fracture process zone in the formulation. Moreover, the truss BEM elements represent the embedded reinforcements, which allow for elastoplastic and bond-slip behaviours. Thus, the proposed formulation accounts for mechanical degradation phenomena into both matrix and reinforcements. Trevelyan's research group at Durham University (UK) collaborates in this proposal. It is worth stressing that his group is at the vanguard of IGABEM formulations in fracture mechanics. In addition to the scientific relevancy of this theme, the proposal contributes to the proper development of the ongoing research project number 2018/20253-4 granted by the São Paulo State Foundation for Research (FAPESP).