Critical Strain Research Articles

Mechanical properties and cage transformations in CO2-CH4 heterohydrates: a molecular dynamics and machine learning study

Abstract The substitution of natural gas hydrates with CO2 offers a compelling dual advantage by enabling the extracting of CH4 while simultaneously sequestering CO2. This process, however, is intricately tied to the mechanical stability of CO2-CH4 heterohydrates. In this study, we report the mechanical properties and cage transformations in CO2-CH4 heterohydrates subjected to uniaxial straining via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and machine learning (ML). Results indicate that guest molecule occupancy, the ratio of CO2 to CH4 and their spatial arrangements within heterohydrate structure greatly dictate the mechanical properties of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates including Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and critical strain. Notable, the introduction of CO2 within clathrate cages, particularly within 512 small cages, weakens the stability of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates in terms of mechanical properties. Upon critical strains, unconventional clathrate cages form, contributing to loading stress oscillation before fracture of heterohydrates. Intriguingly, predominant cage transformations, such as 51262–4151063 or 425864 and 512–425861 cages, are identified, in which 4151062 appears as primary intermediate cage that is able to transform into 4151063, 425862, 425863, 512 and 51262 cages, unveiling the dynamic nature of heterohydrate structures under straining. Additionally, ML models developed using MD data well predict the mechanical properties of heterohydrates, and underscore the critical influence of the spatial arrangement of guest molecules on the mechanical properties. These newly-developed ML models serve as valuable tools for accurately predicting the mechanical properties of heterohydrates. This study provides fresh insights into the mechanical properties and cage transformations in heterohydrates in response to strain, holding significant implications for environmentally sustainable utilization of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates.

A quantitative hot tearing criterion for aluminum alloys

In this study, a new hot tearing criterion was proposed to quantitatively predict open and segregated hot tears in aluminum alloys. In the suggested model, the displacement of grains at a grain boundary near the solidus temperature was considered as the main reason for crack formation. In this model, it is assumed that when the distance between two neighbor grains exceeds the distance between those grains at the coherency temperature, the enriched liquid can penetrate to the root of the dendrites and form segregated and open hot tears. The main parameters of the model are microstructure (grain size and number of grain boundaries), critical strain, applied strain, and width of generated cracks. The index was verified by the solidifying shell tensile (SST) test of an Al alloy containing 0.95 wt% Cu and 0.12 wt% Fe. Also, the critical strain for crack formation in the test was calculated by using accumulated strain theory and load-time curves. The results revealed that the proposed model can suitably predict the number of open and segregated hot tears generated in the SST test samples.

Theoretical and numerical analysis on buckling instability in a thin film sandwiched between two finite-thickness substrates under in-plane compression

Capturing the buckling instability mechanics of multi-layered film/substrate structures is essential for providing theoretical guidelines for designing flexible electronics (e.g., stretchable interconnects and strain-limiting structures) and understanding the morphogenesis in biology and geology. Previous buckling models of tri-layer substrate/film/substrate structures usually assumed infinite substrate thickness and incomplete forms of interfacial shear stress, failing to distinguish between local wrinkling and global buckling. In this work, we extend our previous model (Yuan et al., 2023) by accounting for both finite substrate thickness and a complete form of interfacial shear stress, without assuming uniform membrane strain in the film, to study the buckling instability of tri-layer structures. The local wrinkling versus global buckling is distinguished through energy analysis, yielding phase diagrams for a wide range of geometric parameters and material properties. The effects of finite substrate thickness and moduli on the critical compressive strain and wavelength for the onset of local wrinkling are thoroughly investigated. The high accuracy of current model is demonstrated by the excellent agreement between analytical predictions and finite element analysis. This study provides new insights into the stability analysis of substrate/film/substrate systems, and will aid in the design of flexible electronics.

A nonlinear elastic-plastic model describing the bending and fracture behavior of Caragana korshinskii Kom. branch wood

ABSTRACT Caragana korshinskii Kom. branch (CKB), a vital biomass source in northwest China, has not been thoroughly studied in terms of its bending fracture mechanics. This research aims to establish a nonlinear constitutive model that clarifies the fracture behavior of CKB when subjected to bending loads. The nonlinear bending fracture process of CKB was characterized through a three-point bending test, revealing stages of elastic deformation, elastic-plastic transition, and plastic fracture. A power-enhanced elastic-plastic model combined with continuous damage mechanics theory was used to develop an intrinsic bending fracture model, from which the equations governing bending damage evolution were derived. The model's accuracy was validated with simulations in Abaqus/Explicit, showing that CKB from various growth sites demonstrated distinct nonlinear bending behaviors. At the critical damage strain, cumulative damage led to a reduction in the effective elastic modulus, with the bending fracture curve exhibiting a power function trend. The parameters of the nonlinear elastic-plastic constitutive model were derived through curve fitting, yielding coefficients of determination (R²) exceeding 0.99. The consistency between the trends observed in actual tests and simulations, along with a peak bending force error of 7.7%, validated the finite element model's reliability and confirmed the intrinsic model's accuracy.

Effect of nano-scaled Al2O3 particles on dynamic recrystallization behavior and microstructure evolution of pure copper in hot deformation

The unusual dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior and microstructure evolution during compression deformation at 400–800 °C of a Cu–Al2O3 alloy were investigated herein. The calculation of activation energy (Q) and critical strain for DRX (εc), as well as the prediction of the volume fraction of DRX, are achieved through the construction of constitutive equations and a kinetic model of DRX. The nano-scaled Al2O3 particles are found to exert a significant pinning effect on dislocations and grain boundaries, significantly increasing the dislocation density. The Cu–Al2O3 exhibits a higher work hardening rate and stress compared to pure Cu under the same deformation conditions. The peak stresses of Cu–Al2O3 at 400 °C and 800 °C are 319.7 MPa and 155.4 MPa, respectively, 80.4 % and 243.1 % higher than those of pure Cu. The addition of nano-scaled Al2O3 particles reduces Q and εc of DRX, promoting the transition from low-angle to high-angle grain boundaries during high-temperature deformation. Additionally, distortion zones induced by Al2O3 particles as potential nucleation sites for DRX. While the addition of these particles promotes DRX of pure Cu, the initial DRX rate of Cu–Al2O3 is suppressed by the strong pinning effect of Al2O3 particles.

Crystal structural evolution and cavitation in biodegradable polyglycolide: An in-situ WAXD/SAXS study during hot-stretching

The structural evolution of high-crystallinity polyglycolide (PGA) during hot-stretching from 50 °C to 150 °C was investigated using synchrotron in-situ WAXD/SAXS techniques. The structural evolution during stretching at different temperatures can be divided into three stages. The stage preceding the yield point, the lamellar crystals undergo extensive slip due to shear forces. The crystallite size decreases by 43.9 % during stretching at 50 °C, while it only decreases by 23.8 % at 150 °C. In this stage, cavities with their long axes vertical to the stretching direction form between the lamellar stacks parallel to the stretching direction. Higher stretching temperatures are less favorable for the formation of these cavities. Stage from yield point to onset of strain hardening, some of the small crystals formed in the previous stage accumulate in the oblique direction. After reaching the critical strain, they reorient towards the stretching direction. This reorientation causes fragmentation and recrystallization, promoting the further development of cavities. Both the cavities and the recrystallized crystals align along the stretching direction. In the strain-hardening stage, new crystal formation occurs under stress, and higher temperatures favor the formation of highly oriented crystals. As a result, the crystallinity and crystal orientation of PGA at the end of stretching are positively correlated with the stretching temperature.

Effect of grain size, temperature, and tensile strain rate on mechanical response of CoCrNi medium-entropy alloys

Grain boundary (GB) strengthening of metallic materials faces limitations as grain sizes are reduced to the nanoscale, primarily due to the transition from the strengthening to the softening effects. Understanding the intrinsic mechanisms behind such pronounced transitions is essential for optimizing the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline (NC) alloys. In this work, the critical grain size responsible for this transition is determined for NC CoCrNi medium-entropy alloys using molecular dynamics simulation, and the underlying mechanisms concerning varying temperatures and strain rates are systematically investigated for the samples with the critical grain size. The transition from Hall-Petch (HP) strengthening to Inverse Hall-Petch (IHP) softening is established by decreasing the average grain sizes from 21 nm to 3 nm. The critical grain size for the current alloys is estimated to be 12 nm, and the underlying deformation mechanisms are illustrated as follows: In the IHP regime, GB-mediated deformation becomes dominant, leading to softening. Conversely, in the HP regime, dislocation slip dominates the deformation mode, contributing to strengthening. It is found that an increase in temperature from 77 K to 1100 K leads to a decrease in the average flow stress and Young's modulus. Meanwhile, the deformation mechanisms change from dislocation slip (77K–700K) to GB-mediated deformation (700 K–1100 K). Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms correlating to the critical strain rate are uncovered. It can be attributed to the shift in deformation mechanisms from dislocation slip at relatively low strain rate regimes (5 × 107 s−1-2 × 109 s−1) to dislocation drag at relatively high strain rate regimes (2 × 109 s−1-5 × 109 s−1). Our atomistic insights into the tensile response of NC CoCrNi may provide a crucial basis for designing superior properties to meet the growing demands of advanced engineering fields.

On energy mechanism of rate-dependent failure mode evolution in plain weave composite

The intricate failure modes and the yet unclear rate dependency of carbon fiber reinforced plain weave composite materials pose a challenge to mechanics researchers. This study establishes an energy-based evolution mechanism for the compressive failure modes of plain weave composite materials as the strain rate varies. This mechanism illustrates how the rate dependency of failure modes arises from the competitive relationship between strain potential energy and deformation kinetic energy. At low loading rates, the specimen exhibits a progressive crushing failure mode characterized by low peak stress and significant geometric deformation. As the loading strain rate increases, the energy required for this geometric deformation also increases. When the energy expenditure surpasses that needed to elevate the stress level of the specimen, it transitions to an instantaneous failure mode with high peak stress. In this mode, the specimen fractures into multiple small fragments immediately upon failure, lacking the large geometric deformations observed at lower rates. Through calculating this energy mechanism, a transition strain rate of 180 s−1 was determined for both failure modes. The accuracy of this mechanism was further verified by tests conducted near the critical strain rate. The energy-based evolution mechanism for failure modes provides a simplified and concise framework for simplifying complex models of composite material failures.

Quantitative calculation of rock strain concentration and corresponding damage evolution analysis

Understanding the critical strain and damage evolution process of sandstone can help engineers more accurately predict the failure modes and critical states of sandstone in actual engineering structures. Therefore, this article quantitatively analyzes the strain field data obtained through digital image correlation (DIC), and for the first time establishes a strain concentration calculation model (SCCM) to analyze the critical strain, compaction, and damage evolution process of sandstone under uniaxial compression conditions. The experimental results show that both elastic and plastic strain zones exist on the specimen surface. The proportion curve of strain concentration calculated by SCCM indicates that the strain field ε1 generally undergoes two stages: the elastic strain fluctuation stage and the plastic strain development stage. In contrast, the strain field ε2 exhibits roughly three stages: a rapid change phase, a slow change phase, and a stability phase. Microscopic strain analysis reveals an overlap between the compaction and damage processes of the specimen, and the critical strain value εmd for micro-damage in the specimen is significantly smaller than values obtained by traditional discrimination methods. Specifically, when the defect width of the specimen is 15 mm and 40 mm, the mean εmd vaules are approximately 0.006016 and 0.00539, respectively. In contrast, the mean critical strain values determined by traditional discrimination methods are 0.0180 and 0.0178, respectively. The above research results provide a new method for analyzing the strain field data of geotechnical materials, serving the optimization of engineering structure design.

SEPS functionalized PEG copolymer for improved toughness without obvious plasticization in epoxy resin

AbstractThe effects of grafting level of polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted styrene ethylene propylene styrene (SEPS) on the intrinsic brittleness of epoxy thermosets were studied. The SEPS‐g‐PEG block copolymer (BCP) was synthesized by grafting various grafting degree of PEG (i.e., 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) on polystyrene (PS) blocks of SEPS following Williamson ether synthesis method. A total of 10 wt% of the BCP modifiers were dispersed in epoxy thermosets. PEG side chains were miscible in the epoxy which formed a uniform BCP dispersion within the epoxy thermoset matrix. As the degree of PEG grafting was increased, the BCP phase was absorbed in the epoxy matrix. This absorption occurred because the increase in PEG grafting provided more miscible PEG chains to bind the BCP and epoxy nanostructures together. The differential scanning calorimeter and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis analyses indicated that BCP toughened epoxy exhibited an improved glass transition temperature (Tg). At a 40% PEG grafting degree in the BCP, the critical stress intensity factor (KIC) and critical strain energy release rate (GIC) increased up to 80% and 180%, respectively. This trend suggested that the energy associated with fractures could be absorbed through the deformation of the softer phases when a load was applied to them.

Hot Deformation Characteristics and Dynamic Recrystallization Mechanisms of a Semi-Solid Forged AZ91D Magnesium Alloy.

Magnesium alloys show great promise in high-speed transport, aerospace, and military technology; however, their widespread adoption encounters challenges attributed to limitations such as poor plasticity and strength. This study examines the high-temperature deformation of semi-solid forged AZ91D magnesium alloy through a combination of experiments and simulations, with a focus on comprehending the influence of deformation conditions on dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The findings disclose that conspicuous signs of DRX manifest in the yield stress curve as strain increases. Additionally, decreasing the strain rate and temperature correlates with a reduction in both yield stress and peak strain, and the activation energy is 156.814 kJ/mol, while the critical strain and peak strain remain relatively consistent (εc=0.66208εp). Microstructural changes during high-temperature deformation and the onset of DRX are thoroughly examined through experimental methods. Moreover, a critical strain model for DRX and a predictive model for the volume fraction of DRX were formulated. These equations and models, validated through a combination of experiments and simulations, serve as invaluable tools for predicting the mechanical behavior and microstructural evolution, which also establishes a foundation for accurately predicting the deformation behavior of this alloy. By analyzing the hot deformation characteristics and dynamic compression mechanism of the newly developed semi-solid forging AZ91D magnesium alloy, a numerical simulation model can be effectively established. This model objectively reflects the changes and distributions of stress, strain, and rheological velocity, providing a scientific basis for selecting subsequent plastic deformation process parameters and designing mold structures.

Modeling local deformation, damage distribution, and phase transformation in zirconia particle-reinforced TRIP steel composites

This study investigates tensile deformation, damage analysis, and the effect of microtexture on a 10 % vol. zirconia particle-reinforced TRIP steel composite. In situ tensile tests and simulations were conducted, with sequential SEM images captured during tensile loading tests and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) providing initial crystal orientation data. SEM images were utilized in digital image correlation (DIC) analysis to calculate the local plastic strain distribution using VEDDAC software. Initial micrographs and EBSD data were transformed into geometry files for simulations, employing crystal plasticity with a dislocation density-based model and a newly proposed phase field approach-based ductile-brittle damage criterion for both austenite and ceramic particles. MATLAB's image processing functions were used to compare and validate experimentally observed damage instances with simulation predictions. The effect of microtexture combined with various physical quantities was explored using MTEX. The results show that the simulations accurately predict strain concentration around ceramic particles, with a higher strain observed in the middle region compared to the DIC observations. The simulated strain in the austenitic matrix is found to be 1.4 times higher than the DIC measurements. Quantitative analysis of damage pixels reveals that the proposed critical plastic strain value aligns closely with experimental results, showing an error of - 0.25 % compared to 1.121 % for a smaller strain case. This comprehensive analysis provides insight into the effect of microstructural attributes on material performance and behavior under tensile deformation, leading to a validated microstructural-informed damage-inclusive crystal plasticity model.

Multiaxial fatigue rule applied to disc specimens with variable thickness subjected to an equibiaxial stress state

AbstractAssessing multiaxial fatigue theories requires experimental verification of a failure criterion, posing a significant challenge. This study aims to investigate the validity of a multiaxial fatigue method based on the Lagoda‐Macha‐Sakane (LMS) theory. The LMS theory links the critical strain energy density to the fatigue crack initiation cycles through a non‐linear equation defined by a set of empirical parameters calibrated by a strain‐controlled uniaxial fatigue test. This work adopts the LMS formulation, numerically calibrating the fatigue curve based on strain energy density from uniaxial fatigue experimental data and considering only the LMS theory for the critical strain energy density computation. This method avoids compatibility condition uncertainties and previous identification of material parameters. The study uses bi‐axial bending tests on AISI 316 L steel plate specimens with 3D finite element analyses to support computational assessment. The predictive capability of the model and the effectiveness of the testing method are presented and discussed.

Itihasam of/as Legend: Time, Space, and Narrative Consciousness in The Legends of Khasak

Truth is light splintered through a prism and that gave me the idea of the astrophysicist who turns away from the outer universe to the space within. V. Vijayan, ‘Afterword’, The Legends of Khasak The Legends of Khasak (1969) by O.V. Vijayan has enjoyed a cult readership in the Indian subcontinent. The dominant critical or scholarly strain has been to read it as a literary symptom of the postcolonial imaginary. However, this has restricted the thematic potentialities of the text. While it employs the conventional postcolonial contestation between modernity and tradition as its framework, it far exceeds the binary in the forging of a novel consciousness and form. Using this as the theoretical springboard, the paper will attempt an exploration of Vijayan’s revisioning of the postmodern novel through the reconfiguration of the coordinates of time and space. This reconfiguration occurs through the lens of magic realism in so far as the experience of space – or Khasak as a site of the legendary – is conditioned by the experience of time. The aim of the paper is to look at the protagonist Ravi and his experience of the liminal boundary between history and myth, and the concomitant form of the novel through its reconceptualization of the Eurocentric theoretical paradigms of novelistic and epic time. This anticipates the emergence of a new spatio-temporal and narrative consciousness symptomatic of the fragmentary postcolonial condition.

Formation of a dislocation dipole in the consecutive interfaces of two nanowires

The formation of a dipole of edge dislocations in the consecutive interfaces of two neighboring square-shaped nanowires has been investigated from an energy-based calculation. Assuming the dipole is nucleated in the center of the matrix row between the two nanowires, the energy variation induced by the climbing of the dislocations in the interfaces (one by interface) has been first determined. The energy barrier and unstable equilibrium positions of the dipole have been thus characterized. Considering then the dislocations can also glide into the interfaces, the resulting supplementary gliding energy variation has been considered and the dislocation stable equilibrium positions in the interfaces have been determined, assuming they are distributed symmetrically with respect to the central point of the structure. The effect of the width of the matrix row between the two nanowires on the critical misfit strain required for the introduction of the dislocations in the nanowire interfaces has been finally analyzed.

Beyond the empirical pillar design method: The strain criterion and the pillar load inversion concepts

Pillar design is a crucial aspect of underground mining engineering, as it directly impacts the safety, stability, and overall effectiveness of mining operations. In this paper we present a method to calculate pillar stability based on the strain criterion and pillar load inversion concept, which complements the empirical pillar strength formulae. Those formulae do not account for certain parameters that can affect the stability of the pillars, e.g. weak layers, changes in stress orientations due to mining, orebody dip, mining layout complexity, and the influence of regional stabilizing pillars. The approach presented here is not intended to replace the empirical method; rather, we suggest using it as the initial step in the pillar design process. This should be followed by iterative numerical modelling to study pillar behaviour, define pillar stability, and optimize the pillar design by considering site-specific and representative rock mass properties and criteria.

Dynamic compressive behavior of hybrid basalt-polypropylene fibers reinforced coral aggregate concrete

In this study, the effects of strain rate, fiber type, and hybrid fiber content on the dynamic mechanical properties of basalt-polypropylene fiber reinforced coral aggregate concrete (HBPRCAC) under impact loading are investigated using a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) with a 75 mm diameter. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of basalt fiber (BF) and polypropylene fiber (PF), particularly when mixed, effectively reduced the failure of HBPRCAC. With an increase in strain rate, the failure of HBPRCAC exhibited a more severe pattern; even at low strain rates, cracks directly passed through the coral aggregate, causing damage. The failure modes of BF and PF were related to the strain rate. The probability of BF and PF being pulled out was higher at low strain rates than at high strain rates, where BF and PF predominantly exhibited snap failures. Additionally, the dynamic increase factor (DIF) of the dynamic compressive strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity for HBPRCAC demonstrated a decimal logarithmic linear increase with strain rate, while the dynamic critical strain and impact toughness of HBPRCAC exhibited a linear increase with strain rate. The mixed addition of BF and PF had varying effects on the strain rate sensitivity of HBPRCAC's dynamic mechanical properties, but the fiber mixing content was significantly positively correlated with the strain rate effects on the dynamic compressive mechanical properties of HBPRCAC. The dynamic compressive strengths of BPCAC-0.1 and BPCAC-0.2 at strain rates of 128–135 s−1 were increased by 78.66 % and 88.47 %, respectively, compared to those at strain rates of 33–36 s−1. The dynamic moduli of elasticity for BPCAC-0.1 and BPCAC-0.2 showed increases of 16.47 % and 13.06 %, respectively, compared to that of coral aggregate concrete. Moreover, the critical strain and impact toughness of BPCAC-0.2 were the highest at all tested strain rates.

Development of a cyclic semi-circular bending test protocol to characterize fatigue cracking of asphalt mixture at intermediate temperature

The Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) test has been traditionally conducted in a monotonic loading and displacement-controlled mode at intermediate temperature to assess the fatigue crack resistance of asphalt mixtures. However, fatigue damage is essentially deterioration in material integrity as a result of repeated loading. The SCB monotonic loading does not realistically reflect the traffic loading repetition. This may have limitation on mechanism of the fatigue cracking in asphalt mixture. This study aims to develop a cyclic SCB test protocol to characterize the fatigue cracking of asphalt mixtures. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was utilized to identify crack length associated with the number of loading cycles applied. A full factorial design was conducted for the optimization of testing parameters of the cyclic SCB test, including three levels of notch depth and loading frequency. Two indicators including the number of cycles to failure and Paris’ Law coefficients were used to characterize the fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt mixture. The proposed test protocol of cyclic SCB was validated by three asphalt mixtures of good, medium, and poor cracking performance. The critical strain energy release rate Jc of three mixtures is also measured by the monotonic SCB test for studying the relationship between Jc and Paris’ Law coefficients. The results indicate that Paris’ Law coefficients have relatively low variance compared to the number of cycles to failure and are independent of notch depth and loading frequency. The optimal testing parameter combination of 25 mm notch depth and 10 Hz loading frequency was recommended in perspective of test variance and test practicability. The Paris Law coefficient n ranking was consistent with the one of fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures evaluated.

Stress or strain?

This article is intended to reconcile the stress-based and strain-based formulations for material failure criteria, where a long-standing and deep division is present. The two approaches do not naturally agree with each other, and they do not genuinely complement each other, either. Most popular criteria are stress-based when originally proposed, including the maximum stress, Tresca, von Mises, Raghava–Caddell–Yeh and the Mohr criteria. Their formulations are unique and self-consistent, i.e. capable of reproducing the input data. Their strain-based counterparts, with the maximum strain criterion being considered as the strain-based counterpart of the maximum stress criterion, are neither unique nor necessarily self-consistent. It has been proven in this article that the self-consistent ones reproduce their respective stress-based counterparts identically in effect with a disadvantage of requiring an additional material property to apply, without a single benefit. For the Mohr criterion as a special case, a strain-based counterpart is simply infeasible in general. All undesirable features of strain-based criteria are rooted in a single source: the failure strains can only be measured under a uniaxial stress state, which corresponds to a combined strain state in general, not a uniaxial strain state! Given the arguments presented, the reconciliation proves to be biased completely towards the stress-based side if mathematics, logic and common sense prevail over perception and prejudice.

Mechanical Behavior of Frozen Soil Subjected to Freeze–Thaw Cycle Under Cyclic Impact Load and Passive Confining Pressure

In this study, the effects of freeze–thaw cycles and cyclic impacts on frozen soil were systematically investigated. With an increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles, the peak stress of frozen soil decreased until a stable state was achieved. Moreover, subjecting frozen soil to an increased number of cyclic impacts led to notable alterations in mechanical characteristics, including peak stress, critical strain and dynamic elasticity modulus. Both the freeze–thaw cycles and cyclic impacts were identified as primary damage mechanisms in understanding frozen soil degradation processes. Damage resulting from these impacts conformed to the Weibull distribution pattern. Damages induced by freeze–thaw cycles, individual impacts and cyclic impacts were integrated into the Zhu–Wang–Tang viscoelastic model (ZWT model). Relying on principles of elastic mechanics, the role of confining pressure on frozen soil was examined and subsequently integrated into an improved ZWT model. To evaluate the model’s effectiveness, its predictions were compared with experimental results.