Fracture Properties (fracture + property)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Fracture Properties of Wood and Wood Composites

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 7 2009
Stefanie E. Stanzl-Tschegg
Wood has a complex hierarchical structure and is a kind of polymeric composite with elongated cells in an amorphous matrix. Therefore, fracturing is a complicated process that is influenced by loading mode and direction, humidity, etc. Standard linear-elastic fracture mechanics methods mostly cannot sufficiently quantify fracturing, and combining fracture mechanical with structural investigations at different levels of magnification (centimeter to nanometer levels) helps obtaining insight into the fracture mechanisms. [source]


The Characterization of Local Deformation and Fracture Properties , a Tool for Advanced Materials Design,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 11 2006
O. Kolednik
Novel experimental techniques have been recently developed to measure local deformation and fracture properties. The techniques comprise quantitative fracture surface analysis and in-situ loading experiments in combination with digital image analysis. Examples are presented, demonstrating how these methods can be used to investigate the damage evolution in materials, to improve tools for the numerical simulation, and for the design of more fracture resistant materials and components. [source]


Cyclic Fatigue-Crack Growth and Fracture Properties in Ti3SiC2 Ceramics at Elevated Temperatures

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 12 2001
Da Chen
The cyclic fatigue and fracture toughness behavior of reactive hot-pressed Ti3SiC2 ceramics was examined at temperatures from ambient to 1200°C with the objective of characterizing the high-temperature mechanisms controlling crack growth. Comparisons were made of two monolithic Ti3SiC2 materials with fine- (3,10 ,m) and coarse-grained (70,300 ,m) microstructures. Results indicate that fracture toughness values, derived from rising resistance-curve behavior, were significantly higher in the coarser-grained microstructure at both low and high temperatures; comparative behavior was seen under cyclic fatigue loading. In each microstructure, ,Kth fatigue thresholds were found to be essentially unchanged between 25° and 1100°C; however, there was a sharp decrease in ,Kth at 1200°C (above the plastic-to-brittle transition temperature), where significant high-temperature deformation and damage are first apparent. The substantially higher cyclic-crack growth resistance of the coarse-grained Ti3SiC2 microstructure was associated with extensive crack bridging behind the crack tip and a consequent tortuous crack path. The crack-tip shielding was found to result from both the bridging of entire grains and from deformation kinking and bridging of microlamellae within grains, the latter forming by delamination along the basal planes. [source]


The Characterization of Local Deformation and Fracture Properties , a Tool for Advanced Materials Design,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 11 2006
O. Kolednik
Novel experimental techniques have been recently developed to measure local deformation and fracture properties. The techniques comprise quantitative fracture surface analysis and in-situ loading experiments in combination with digital image analysis. Examples are presented, demonstrating how these methods can be used to investigate the damage evolution in materials, to improve tools for the numerical simulation, and for the design of more fracture resistant materials and components. [source]


Determination of the Gurson,Tvergaard damage model parameters for simulating small punch tests

FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 11 2010
I. I. CUESTA
ABSTRACT The objective of the final small punch test (SPT) is to determine the fracture properties of materials, such as fracture toughness, when not enough material is available for the conduct of conventional fracture tests. The damage model developed by Gurson, and subsequently modified by Tvergaard and Needleman (GTN), allows for the numerical simulation of the elastic-plastic behaviour until fracture. This model is based on several constitutive material parameters that must be calibrated if the model is to be properly applied. In this paper, we develop a consistent methodology for the identification of the GTN damage parameters based on the adjustment of the load-displacement curve obtained in the SPTs. The methodology presented is applicable to simulating other different SPTs with different thicknesses and test temperatures. Also, the three-dimensional modelling developed will be useful in the future for analysing the possible anisotropy exhibited by some materials. The next step in the simulation will be to determine its validity in other stress fields with different triaxiality ratios, like the one present in CT specimens, the ultimate goal being to allow for the estimation of the material fracture toughness. [source]


The effect of gentamicin sulphate on the fracture properties of a manually mixed bone cement

FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 6 2007
M. BALEANI
ABSTRACT This work investigates the effect of adding gentamicin, an antibiotic, on the fracture properties of bone cement. Endurance limit, fatigue crack propagation and fracture toughness were determined for a polymethylmethacrylate-based cement, containing 10% w/w of barium sulphate as radiopacifying agent, and the same formulation modified by the addition of 4.22% w/w of gentamicin sulphate. The antibiotic does not affect the endurance limit nor the fracture toughness of the material. There are significant differences in the parameters of the Paris' law fitting the crack growth data: once the main crack is nucleated, it initially propagates at a lower rate but thereafter accelerates faster in gentamicin loaded bone cement. Despite this difference, the growth rate for the same stress intensity factor remains of the same order of magnitude in both formulations. The addition of 4.22% w/w of gentamicin sulphate to radiopaque bone cement has a negligible total effect on the fracture properties of the material. [source]


Numerical modelling of 3D fluid flow and oxygen isotope exchange in fractured media: spatial distribution of isotope patterns

GEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2007
C. SAVARD
Abstract An understanding of fluid flow, mass transport and isotopic exchange in fractured rock is required to understand the origin of several geological processes including hydrothermal mineral deposits. The numerical model HydroGeoSphere simulates 3D advection, molecular diffusion, mechanical dispersion and isotopic exchange in a discretely fractured porous media, and can be used to better understand the processes of mass transport and isotopic exchange in fractured rocks. Study of 18O isopleth patterns for different types of fractures and fracture networks with a range of structural complexity and hydraulic properties shows that fracture properties and geometry control mass transport and isotopic exchange. The hydraulic properties, as well as the density, spacing, and connectivity of fractures determine the isotopic patterns. Asymmetries in the geometry of oxygen isotope patterns could be used to determine the direction of hydrothermal fluid flow. [source]


The effect of cleaning procedures on fracture properties and corrosion of NiTi files

INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 11 2003
P. Y. Z. O'Hoy
Abstract Aim, To evaluate the effect of repeated cleaning procedures on fracture properties and corrosion of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files. Methodology, New NiTi instruments were subjected to 2, 5 and 10 cleaning cycles with the use of either diluted bleach (1% NaOCl) or Milton's solution (1% NaOCl plus 19% NaCl) as disinfectant. Each cleaning cycle consisted of scrubbing, rinsing and immersing in NaOCl for 10 min followed by 5 min of ultrasonication. Files were then tested for torsional failure and flexural fatigue, and observed for evidence of corrosion using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Four brands of NiTi files were immersed in either Milton's solution or diluted bleach overnight and evaluated for corrosion. Results, Up to 10 cleaning cycles did not significantly reduce the torque at fracture or number of revolutions to flexural fatigue (P > 0.05, two-way anova), although decreasing values were noted with increasing number of cleaning cycles using Milton's solution. No corrosion was detected on the surface of these files. Files immersed in 1% NaOCl overnight displayed a variety of corrosion patterns. The extent of corrosion was variable amongst different brands of files and amongst files in each brand. Overall, Milton's solution was much more corrosive than diluted bleach. Corrosion of file handles was often extreme. Conclusions, Files can be cleaned up to 10 times without affecting fracture susceptibility or corrosion, but should not be immersed in NaOCl overnight. Milton's solution is much more corrosive than bleach with the same NaOCl concentration. [source]


Mechanical and fracture properties for predicting cracking in semi-sweet biscuits

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2005
Qasim Saleem
Summary Mechanical and fracture properties required for predicting crack development in semi-sweet (,rich tea') biscuits have been experimentally determined. Pilot-scale biscuits of different fat concentrations were prepared and studied with commercial biscuits at different moisture contents. Bending modulus, fracture stress and strain were measured using three-point bending tests. All biscuit types showed considerable dependence on moisture content over a range of 4,12%. Young's modulus and failure stress showed a uniform decrease and failure strain showed an increase with increasing moisture content. For pilot-scale biscuits of different fat concentrations, an increase in fat level caused a decrease in modulus and failure stress values; however, the failure strains were very similar for all the fat types. The testing of the samples with top surface up and top surface down revealed that the sample orientation does not affect the measured parameters. The measured parameters also did not show any directional dependence within the plane, thus assuring that the assumption of an isotropic material would be valid for modelling. The mechanical and fracture properties measured in this study will serve as a very useful set of data to predict the stress state and cracking of the checked biscuits. [source]


Surface damage analysis of retrieved highly crosslinked polyethylene tibial components after short-term implantation,

JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008
B. M. Willie
Abstract The use of highly crosslinked polyethylene (PE) in the knee remains controversial, because of reduced fatigue fracture properties of the material. The current study investigated postmelt surface damage as well as potential contributors to this damage in retrieved highly crosslinked PE tibial components, after short-term in vivo durations. Retrieved conventional PE tibial components were examined for comparison, as well as unused time zero highly crosslinked and conventional PE tibial components for inherent manufacturing surface characterization. Predominant surface damage modes on highly crosslinked PE components were machine mark loss and abrasion, while conventional PE components primarily had machine mark loss, abrasion, and delamination. In vivo duration, PE thickness, and conformity of the design were significant predictors of surface damage on retrieved conventional PE components. Donor weight and the conformity of the design were significant predictors of surface damage on retrieved highly crosslinked PE components. This retrieval data on highly crosslinked PE tibial components suggest that in vivo wear occurred, observed as postmelt surface damage. The highly crosslinked Durasul material examined in this retrieval study appeared to outperform the conventional PE components made from 4150 resin, ram-extruded and ,-sterilized in air, but not the conventional components made from 1020 resin, compression molding and , sterilization in nitrogen. Early retrieval data of highly crosslinked PE tibial components are important to serve as a benchmark to be compared with future longer-term retrieval studies investigating whether surface damage translates to clinically relevant particulate wear debris generation and PE clinical performance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008 [source]


The Role of Filler Networking in Fatigue Crack Propagation of Elastomers under High-Severity Conditions

MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2009
Manfred Klüppel
Abstract Structural parameters of the filler network have been evaluated by fitting quasi-static stress/strain cycles to the dynamic flocculation model. It is found that the size of filler clusters as well as the strength of filler,filler bonds increase with filler loading and carbon black activity (specific surface). This correlates with the behavior of the tear resistance obtained for pulsed loading under high-severity conditions, implying that the characteristics of the filler network govern the fracture properties of filled elastomers. The behavior of the power law exponent of fatigue crack propagation versus tearing energy can be explained by flash temperature effects in the crack tip area. [source]


Preface: phys. stat. sol. (b) 245/3

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 3 2008
Christopher W. Smith
This is the third Special Issue of physica status solidi (b) focusing on materials with a negative Poisson's ratio or other ,anomalous' physical properties. This issue contains selected papers from the First International Conference on Auxetics and Anomalous Systems held at the University of Exeter, UK, on 4,6 September 2006. Around 50 participants from all over the world as well as from a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines contributed to what was a highly successful conference. This conference follows in the footsteps of two previous workshops held at the Mathematical Research and Conference Centre in B,dlewo near Pozna,, Poland, in 2004 and 2005 [1, 2]. The papers selected for this issue publish recent results obtained for ,anomalous systems' in experiment, theory and computer simulations. In the following we summarize very briefly their contents. Alderson and Coenen compare the performance of auxetic composites to similar systems with conventional positive Poisson's ratios. They find that there are indeed differences which appear to arise from the change of the overall Poisson's ratio of the composite, some beneficial like a rise in impact tolerance at low impact rates, and others deleterious such as the reduced tolerance at higher impact rates. This is one of the first investigations of possible applications for auxetic materials. The two papers by Gaspar and Koenders both examine the effects of disorder upon anomalous properties, especially negative Poisson's ratio. In the first one Gaspar demonstrates how a mean strain estimate fails to predict negative values of Poisson's ratio because of an inability to account for local fluctuations in elastic properties. For instance it is shown that the volume fraction of auxetic regions in an globally auxetic material (measured experimentally) are smaller than a mean strain homogenisation would require. Koenders and Gaspar explore the elastic properties, and especially Poisson's ratio, of a heterogeneous 2D network of bending beams. They predict auxetic behaviour arising from localised disorder in the packing, and therefore effective locally aggregated elastic properties of the beams. In the three articles by Gatt et al. and Grima et al. models based on simple geometry are used to explain the behaviour of seemingly disparate systems, i.e. 2D honeycombs systems and zeolite SiO2 networks. Two papers concerning honeycombs demonstrate relationships between elastic properties and structure and the bounds for auxetic behaviour. The paper concerning the zeolite Natrolite uses numerical force field based energy minimisation methods to simulate the response of this particular zeolite to applied forces and then simplifies the predicted properties even further by considering structural units as rigid 2D polyhedra linked by flexible hinges. In a similar vein, though using a different approach and concerning a very different form of matter, Heyes shows how the heterogeneity in an assembly of particles in a liquid can affect the elastic properties of a liquid and notably the infinite frequency Poisson's ratio. Heyes uses the Molecular Dynamics approach to simulate a Lennard,Jones fluid under various pressures, notably comparing behaviour under positive and negative pressures. In their first paper Jasiukiewicz and co-authors derive elastic constants of 2D crystals for all four classes of 2D crystalline solids: hexagonal (isotropic), quadratic, rectangular, and oblique systems. In their second paper they demonstrate conditions required for auxetic behaviour of 2D crystals. Auxetic solids are further divided into those with some negative Poisson's ratios (auxetic), all negative Poisson's ratios (completely auxetic) and no negative Poisson's ratios (non-auxetic). Lakes and Wojciechowski consider counterintuitive properties of matter, like negative compressibility, negative Poisson's ratio, negative thermal expansion, negative specific heat, and negative pressure. They present and interpret experimental observations of negative bulk modulus in pre-strained foams. They propose also a constrained microscopic model which exhibits negative compressibility. Finally, they solve a very simple thermodynamic model with negative thermal expansion. Martin et al. take a long stride toward a real world application of auxetic materials with a wide ranging study starting with numerical modelling of a wingbox section to experimental testing in a wind tunnel. They show that an auxetic core in a wing box section can allow a passive aero-elastic response which can be tailored by careful design of the core so that camber, and thus drag, is reduced with increasing airspeed but without sacrificing structural integrity. Miller et al. consider another anomalous physical property, negative thermal expansivity, and its application in the form of particulate composites for amelioration of stresses arising from thermal mismatch. They show via experiments that particles with a negative coefficient of thermal expansion may be used as a composite reinforcer to reduce overall thermal expansion and behave according to the standard volume fraction based models. Narojczyk and Wojciechowski examine the effects of disorder upon the bulk elastic properties of 3D fcc soft sphere systems in terms of particle size. Systems, such as colloids, can be thought of in such terms. The study shows that higher order moments of probability distribution do not influence the bulk elastic properties much, but that lower moments such as the standard deviation of particle size influence the elastic properties greatly. The "hardness" of the particle interaction potential is also important in this context. In general, it is shown that the effect of increasing polydispersity is to increase the Poisson's ratio, except the [110] [10] directions. Scarpa and Malischewsky in their paper on Rayleigh waves in auxetic materials show how the Rayleigh wave speed is affected by the Poisson's ratio. The behaviour is complex and depends upon the homogeneity within the material, for instance slowing with decreasing Poisson's ratio in isotropic solids, but showing the reverse trend and increased sensitivity to Poisson's ratio in laminate composites. Scarpa et al. explore the buckling behaviour of auxetic tubes via three types of model, a simple beam mechanics and Eulerian buckling model, a 3D linear elastic FE model and a bespoke non-linear continuum model. The more sophisticated models provide increasing insight into the buckling behaviour though the simple beam model predicts reasonably well in the pre-buckling linear region. Some unexpected and interesting behaviour is predicted by the continuum model as the Poisson's ratio approaches the isotropic limit of ,1, including increasing sensitivity to Poisson's ratio and rapid mode jumping between integer wave numbers. The paper by Shilko et al. presents an analysis of a particular kind of friction joint, a double lap joint, and explores the effects of altering the elastic properties of one component, in particular it's Poisson's ratio. The manuscript introduces the evolution of smart materials from monolithic materials, and the classification of composites exhibiting negative Poisson's ratios. The paper then presents the case of a double lap joint and performs a sensitivity type study, via a 2D FE model, of the effects of changing the elastic properties and degree of anisotropy of one section of the model on various parameters defining the limits of functionality of the joint. The main finding is that an enhanced shear modulus, via a negative Poisson's ratio, can endow such a friction joint with superior performance. Manufacturing of auxetic materials on a commercial scale has proved to be the largest obstacle to their fuller exploitation. The paper by Simkins et al. explores one route for post processing of auxetic polymers fibres produced by a conventional melt extrusion route. Simkins et al. showed that a post process thermal annealing treatment, with carefully optimised parameters, was able to even out otherwise inhomogenous auxetic properties, and moreover improve other elastic and fracture properties often sacrificed for auxetic behaviour. We gratefully acknowledge the support given by the sponsors of the conference, namely the EPSRC of the UK and Auxetic Technologies Ltd. (UK). We also thank the Scientific Committee, the Organising Committee, and all the participants of the conference. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


Characterization of a rigid silicone resin

POLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 1 2003
M. B. Chan-Park
Silicone resins have been used as binders for ceramic frit coatings and can withstand temperatures of 650°C to 1260°C. Conceptually, silicone resins can potentially be used as matrices for high temperature fiber-reinforced composites. The mechanical and thermal properties of a commercially available silicone resin, Dow Corning® 6-2230, were characterized. Neat 6-2230 resin was found to have inferior room temperature mechanical properties such as flexural, tensile and fracture properties when compared to epoxy. The room temperature flexural properties and short beam shear strength of the silicone/glass composites were also found to be lower than those of epoxy/glass composite with similar glass content. However, the silicone resin had better elevated temperature properties. At an elevated temperature of 316°C, the retentions of flexural modulus and strength were 80% and 40% respectively of room temperature values; these were superior to those of phenolic/glass. Unlike the carbon-based resins, the drop in flexural properties of the silicon/glass laminates with temperature leveled off with increase in temperature beyond 250°C. The resin weight loss at 316°C in 100 cm3/min of flowing air was small compared to other carbon-based resins such as PMR-15 and LaRC TPI. Only Avimid-N appeared comparable to Dow Corning® 6-2230. [source]


Cure kinetics, phase behaviors, and fracture properties of bismaleimide resin toughened by poly(phthalazinone ether ketone)

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 12 2009
Yongjin Han
Poly(phthalazinone ether ketone)s (PPEK) were used to toughen bismaleimide (BMI) resin composed of 4,4,-bismaleimidodiphenyl methane (BMDM) and O,O, -diallyl bisphenyl A (DABPA). Dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the blends was carried out for kinetic analysis of the curing reaction. The reaction activation energy indicated that the reaction mechanism remained the same even after the incorporation of PPEK. The reaction-induced phase separation process in BMI/PPEK blends was investigated by optical microscopy (OM). The primary phase structure of the blends was fixed at the early stage of phase separation, and a secondary phase separation was observed as a result of the high viscosity of the blends. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) graphs showed that the morphology of the cured resin changed from a dispersed structure to a phase-inverted structure with the increase of PPEK content. Compared with the neat resin, the fracture toughness of the modified resin exhibits a moderate increase when PPEK was incorporated. Several toughening mechanisms, such as local plastic deformation, crack deflection, and branches, presumably took part in improving the toughness of BMI/PPEK blends on the basis of the morphology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source]