This paper presents a pressure-dependent three-dimensional constitutive law to predict failure for laminated composites. The nonlinear response in shear and the transverse through-the-thickness directions, which is measured experimentally, incorporated directly into model. In addition, secant stiffnesses are dependent on state of hydrostatic pressure general strain. criteria distinguish between matrix failure, fibre kinking tensile failure. In-situ strengths used Propagation takes...

ConForce is a tool for evaluating nodal configurational forces (CF) from FEM results. supports 2D plane strain and 3D volume elements in solver-independent manner. Furthermore, large displacements static load cases are considered. accesses previously generated compiled C code Python via binding. This provided predefined element types, but can be regenerated other types. also includes an Abaqus plug-in with graphical user interface. allows to easily add CF the output file.

The present special issue of Advanced Engineering Materials gives an overview on the materials science and engineering activities at Montanuniversität Leoben. Leoben was founded in year 1840 covers all areas related to mining, metallurgy materials. For decades, is known as internationally recognized center excellence for engineering. Materials-related study programs include science, metallurgy, polymer engineering, mechanical with more than 1500 students. In both education research, material...

In this paper, specimens that contain cavities are tested and the critical force for crack initiation is compared to predictions made by Coupled Criterion (CC). First, material parameters Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, fracture toughness, stress calibrated with tensile tests of three specimen shapes. Then, position predicted other shapes, called validation specimens. The CC use stresses incremental energy release rates computed Finite Element Method (FEM) Scaling Law based Meta Model...

This paper represents the authors' contribution to Part A of third World Wide Failure Exercise where a constitutive model is proposed which considers stiffness degradation and plastic strain accumulation for prediction stress–strain curves failure envelopes 13 test cases, involving various continuous fiber-reinforced laminates with polymeric matrix materials. The calibration by means provided material data described limits applicability are discussed. Finally, predictions presented as being...

This paper reviews current activities at the Montanuniversität Leoben on hierarchical design of flaw‐tolerant brittle materials in fields layered ceramics, hard coatings, fibre reinforced laminates, and biomimetic functional systems. Different examples reinforcement mechanisms are presented acting different length scales. Novel strategies analyzed that make use tailored residual stresses, textured microstructures, compositional heterogeneity spatial variations properties, fiber arrangement...

This work introduces a finite element model of steel cable-reinforced conveyor belt to accurately compute stresses in the splice. In modelled test rig, runs on two drums and is loaded with cyclic longitudinal force. An explicit solver used efficiently handle high number elements contact conditions. This, however, some issues dynamics model, which are subsequently solved: (a) load applied smooth curve damping introduced beginning simulation, (b) residual regions that initially bent around...

In many applications, fracture mechanics is indispensable in predicting structural failure. this paper, a concept for discrete crack paths according to the criterion of maximum energy release rate, which uses finite element method, presented. Within existing approaches determine incremental propagation direction, on one hand, information current used explicit approaches, leading inaccuracies. On other introduced virtual cracks can be implicit with required number determining computational...

Optimizing highly nonlinear structural problems can be very challenging due to the large number of parameters. Classical compliance minimization does not work for such problems. Common optimization algorithms also do find good solutions. This evaluates both commonly used and yet in topology optimization. The are evaluated using a simple problem: minimizing end displacement cantilever beam fixed on one side loaded by gravity. global optimum coarse mesh grid is computed simulating nearly 60...

Full FEM models with incremental crack propagation usually require very small increment lengths Δa to accurately predict paths. Beside the criterion for direction, approach evaluate this direction is important: driving force of current can either be used directly (explicit approach) or iteratively adapted test cracks introduced (implicit approach). Furthermore, shape increments straight curved. Considering two 2D plates circular holes, accuracy predicted paths as a function here evaluated an...