Strain Rate Loading Research Articles

Mechanical behavior and fiber reinforcing mechanism of high-toughness recycled aggregate concrete under high strain-rate impact loads

Fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (FRRAC) is renowned for its excellent mechanical properties and environmental benefits, making it a popular choice in construction engineering. However, the impact damage mechanisms of FRRAC remain unclear. This study leverages advanced in-situ 4D CT technology to investigate the fiber-reinforcing mechanisms of High-Toughness Recycled Aggregate Concrete (HTRAC) using construction waste as a sustainable building material. Under high strain-rate conditions, the dynamic mechanical behaviors of both plain recycled aggregate concrete (PRAC) and HTRAC were examined using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) method. The experiments revealed significant strain rate sensitivities in both materials, with HTRAC showing superior fiber reinforcement that markedly enhances its toughness. Quantitative models for dynamic increasing factors of key mechanical parameters, including peak stress, peak strain, initial elastic modulus, ultimate strain, and toughness index, were developed. These findings offer critical design insights for using HTRAC in impact load conditions and other extreme environments, promoting its wider adoption in the construction industry.

Experimental and numerical analysis of NdFeB magnets under static and dynamic loading conditions

Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets, known for their superior magnetic properties, are pivotal in various high-performance applications, ranging from electric motors to wind turbines. The durability and reliability of these devices significantly depend on the mechanical integrity of NdFeB magnets under various stress conditions. In this work, the mechanical behavior and failure processes of NdFeB magnets are experimentally studied by in-door tests. We specifically examine the failure behavior of these magnets when subjected to dynamic loads, employing the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar test both with and without initial loading perpendicular to the pressure bar direction. Furthermore, to complement the experimental findings, the experiments are numerically reproduced with a hybrid finite-discrete element method titled Continuous-Discontinuous Element Method (CDEM). Within the CDEM framework the Johnson-Holmquist 2 constitutive model is considered for the material under high strain rate loading conditions. Most material parameters are determined by experimental data and theoretical analysis. This research not only enhances our understanding of the properties of NdFeB magnets but also provides valuable insights for engineers and researchers aiming to improve the material’s resilience and durability.

Research on damage behavior of silicone rubber under dynamic impact

Viscoelastic rubber materials are widely used in various vibration reduction structures of military and construction machinery. The complex driving and working conditions make the mechanical structure suffer severe impact, which leading to the damage or lose efficacy of the important viscoelastic elements. In order to reveal the dynamic mechanical properties of silicone rubber after impact, the Uniaxial compression tests of silicone rubber under different high strain rates were carried out with the separated Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) dynamic impact experiment, and the original Zhu-Wang-Tang (ZWT) constitutive model was modified by combining logarithmic law and power function law. The dynamic impact simulation model of silicone rubber was established using the modified ZWT-rate-dependent constitutive model, and the dynamic impact damage behavior of silicone rubber was studied under the condition of high strain rate, and the microscopic damage analysis was carried out on the experimental silicone rubber samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the silicone rubber has obvious strain rate effect and strong deformation resistance at high strain rate. The modified ZWT-rate-dependent constitutive model can be used to obtain the constitutive expression of unified parameters, which can better describe the dynamic mechanical properties of silicone rubber at high strain rates. After dynamic impact compression, a damage line zone appears in the silicone rubber sample. There is a certain rule between the position of the line zone and the loading strain rate and the friction coefficient of the end face, and the silicone rubber is significantly affected by the friction effect of the end face.

A phase-field model for study of ferroelastic deformation behavior in yttria stabilized zirconia

A modified phase-field model coupled with linear elasticity is formulated to study the effect of ferroelastic domain switching on the deformation behavior of tetragonal-prime yttria-stabilized zirconia. Simulations are performed under uniaxial tension and compression using realistic domain microstructures. This work provides new insights into the mechanism of ferroelastic deformation by studying the evolution of domains under different loading directions and strain rates. The model predicts realistic stress-strain curves consisting of stress-plateaus with accurate domain switching behavior without setting a switching criterion based on a critical stress for nucleation of new domains. The results reveal that the origin of coercive stress lies in the balance between the energy absorbed by the domain switching process and the externally applied energy. Loading in different directions but parallel to the spontaneous strain results in different levels of coercive stress as domain switching absorbs different amounts of energy. For the same reason when the strain-rate increases, the coercive stress also increases. This work establishes the relation between the coercive stress and microstructural changes during ferroelastic domain switching.

Elasto-Plastic Constitutive Behaviour Prediction and Uncertainty Quantification of Damaged Composite Structure under High-Strain Rate Loading

Abstract The current research assesses the consequences of various damages (crack and delamination) and high-strain loading conditions on the fibre-reinforced composite structure's elasto-plastic stress-strain (EPSS) characteristics. The constitutive responses are obtained numerically (finite element discretization) using higher-order polynomials (to count the deformation) with the help of the MATLAB platform. The EPSS responses are evaluated via the modified Ludwik equation and Cowper Symonds model under high strain rate loadings. The model accuracy has been tested through the comparison between the present numerical and the published experimental data available in open domain. Furthermore, various numerical examples present the effect of damages (debond and/or crack), forces and stress-strain characteristics for a wide range of strain rates (ranging from 0.001 s−1 to 50 s−1). The stochastic constitutive model is obtained to show the modelling importance and the corresponding analysis parameters including the uncertainty quantification. Finally, a detailed understanding of the damages and geometries on the polymeric composite structure are enumerated via the delve model for the futuristic design.

Effects of strain rate on dynamic deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of Fe-Mn-Cr-N austenitic stainless steel

In this work, the effects of strain rate on dynamic hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of Fe-Mn-Cr-N steel were studied under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions using a Gleeble-3800 thermal-mechanical simulator and Split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system. The stress-strain curves show that the yield and flow stresses are both significantly dependent on strain rate, also the strain rate sensitivity increases from 0.050 at a low strain rate (0.001–0.1 s−1) to 1.507 at a high strain rate (4500–5500 s−1). At a low strain rate (0.001–0.1 s−1), the microstructure evolution is dominated by dislocation slip and dynamic recovery (DRV). When strain rates are increased to 2500–3500 s−1, dislocation slip and mechanical twining together coordinate plastic deformation. When the strain rate was 4500–5500 s−1, the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) based on twinning formed in the deformation bands, and its fraction increased with the increasing strain rate due to adiabatic temperature rise (ΔT). The high micro-hardness value was obtained mainly because of the strain rate hardening (2500–3500 s−1), but the decrease at the strain rate of 4500–5500 s−1 is primarily attributed to recrystallization softening after deformation. The modified Johnson-Cook (J-C) model considering adiabatic temperature rise agrees with experimental results. It can be used to predict the plastic deformation behavior of Fe-Mn-Cr-N steel under high strain rate loading.

A preliminary investigation on the mechanical behaviour of a stiff Italian clay in the context of hydrogen storage

The large-scale use of renewable energy sources is closely linked to the ability to store excess energy generated during periods of overproduction for use when demand is at a peak. Storing green energy is therefore a key component in the move towards a carbon-neutral economy. Underground hydrogen storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs may provide an efficient long-term solution. Cyclic injection and production of hydrogen alter the chemo-hydro-mechanical conditions of the reservoir and caprocks, and possible geomechanical consequences of such alterations must be preliminarily assessed for safe storage operations. This study aims at exploring the possible effects of cyclic mechanical loads, such as those that might be induced by hydrogen storage and production, on the mechanical behaviour of a clayey caprock. A series of triaxial tests, both monotonic and cyclic, were carried out on undisturbed samples of a stiff Italian clay cored from a caprock formation overlying a hydrocarbon reservoir. The results show that the material response is characterized by the distinctive stress-strain behaviour of stiff clays, with a rather high fragility, which was found to be highly dependent on the loading strain rate. During laboratory experiments conducted at frequencies larger than in situ ones, cyclic loading under stress control causes a gradual degradation of the material structure leading to the formation of a clear shear band followed by a reduction in shear strength. Eventually, failure occurs as the peak shear strength approaches the applied load. The progressive destructuration also implies a reduction in P- and S-wave propagation velocities and a significant change in the signal shape, which is therefore a promising parameter for monitoring the material degradation process.

Dynamic compressive behavior of steel fiber synergistically reinforced cellular concrete under high strain-rate loading

To better understand the reinforcement and toughness effects of steel fibers, a 75-mm split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device was used to test the uniaxial dynamic compression properties of steel fiber synergistically reinforced cellular concrete (SFSRCC) under high strain rates. The dynamic compression performance characteristics of the SFSRCC, including the stressstrain curve, dynamic strength, impact toughness and failure mode, were analyzed. The results showed that the dynamic strength, peak strain and impact toughness of SFSRCC increase with increasing strain rate. Compared with that of cellular concrete (SAP10S0), a higher steel fiber volume ratio corresponded to a greater enhancement in the dynamic performance characteristic indices of the SFRCC. The maximum increases were 138.4%, 180.0% and 280.0% for the DIF, peak strain, and impact toughness, respectively. The damage degree of the SFSRCC specimen decreased with increasing fiber content, and a larger area of residual "core retention" was observed, which indicated that the impact resistance of the SFSRCC with a high fiber content was improved. An empirical formula that can accurately characterize the dynamic strength increase factor (DIF) of SFSRCC with high strain rates was proposed, and the prediction results obtained by using the DIF of the SFSRCC were highly consistent with the test results, which confirmed its effectiveness. To further quantify the strain rate enhancement effect and fiber content for the reinforcement and toughening ability of SFSRCC, the relationships between the peak strength/peak strain/impact toughness and strain rate and between the DIF increment ratio/strain energy density increment ratio and fiber volume fraction were determined. In conclusion, the dynamic compression performance characteristics of SFSRCC can be enhanced by incorporating an appropriate quantity of steel fibers with a dynamic impact load.

Cyclic behavior and constitutive relations of HRB400E steel under large strain range

To study the differences in material performance between HRB400E steel and conventional strength steel, this paper performed monotonic and cyclic loading tests on HRB400E and Q355B steels under a series of loading protocols. Additionally, the self-designed fixtures were used to achieve large strain rate loading. The ductility, monotonic behavior and hysteretic characteristics of HRB400E and Q355B steels were assessed, along with the energy dissipation capacity evaluated through the energy dissipation coefficients. The cyclic skeleton curves of both steels were fitted using the Ramberg-Osgood model, with further investigation into the influence of kinematic hardening parameters on hysteretic curves. The combined hardening parameters of the Voce-Chaboche model were calibrated based on the experimental results, and the hysteretic curves were simulated under different loading protocols via ANSYS. The analysis results reveal that the energy dissipation coefficients of HRB400E steel are larger than that of Q355B steel, yet smaller than those of Q460D, LYP100, LY100, LY160, and LY225 steels. Both HRB400E and Q355B steels demonstrate significantly improved material strength under cyclic loading. Excellent agreement between simulated and experimental curves is achieved when using four pairs of kinematic hardening parameters. Additionally, the hysteretic performance of HRB400E and Q355B steels under different cyclic loading protocols can be precisely simulated by employing calibrated combined hardening parameters. Through this paper, the cyclic behavior and constitutive relations of HRB400E steel are comprehensively understood, which provides a reliable theoretical basis for engineering design and structural analysis. Furthermore, this research provides a scientific basis for material applications of HRB400E steel.

Effect of temperature on high strain-rate damage evolving in CFRP studied by synchrotron-based MHz X-ray phase contrast imaging

The present study demonstrates experimental evidence of subsurface mesoscale damage initiation and evolution in angle-ply CFRP laminates under high strain-rate loading at low temperatures using synchrotron-based X-ray MHz radiography. A bespoke set of loading, temperature control and in-situ X-ray imaging systems were applied to simultaneously correlate high strain-rate mechanical response with observed subsurface damage in a time-resolved manner. The results demonstrate that independent of temperature, damage evolved following a specific sequence; firstly intra-ply shear cracking along the fibre direction, developing into multi-layer cracking with continued deformation, and finally culminating in inter-ply delamination and complete failure of the specimen. The timescale for this sequence, however, was observed to strongly depend upon temperature, with low temperatures resulting in more rapid damage evolution and loss of mechanical strength.

A Review of Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and the Constitutive Models of Aluminum Matrix Composites.

Aluminum matrix composites (AMMCs) have demonstrated substantial potential in the realm of armor protection due to their favorable properties, including low density, high specific stiffness, and high specific strength. These composites are widely employed as structural components and frequently encounter high strain rate loading conditions, including explosions and penetrations during service. And it is crucial to note that under dynamic conditions, these composites exhibit distinct mechanical properties and failure mechanisms compared to static conditions. Therefore, a thorough investigation into the dynamic mechanical behavior of aluminum matrix composites and precise constitutive equations are imperative to advance their application in armor protection. This review aims to explore the mechanical properties, strengthening the mechanism and deformation damage mechanism of AMMCs under high strain rate. To facilitate a comprehensive understanding, various constitutive equations are explored, including phenomenological constitutive equations, those with physical significance, and those based on artificial neural networks. This article provides a critical review of the reported work in this field, aiming to analyze the main challenges and future development directions of aluminum matrix composites in the field of protection.

Optimization of multi-layered composites against ballistic impact: A mesoscale approach

There has been an urgent need to develop and analyse multi-layered composite structures with varying material properties to withstand projectile impact. The proposed study focuses on the optimization of the multi-layer composite to achieve maximum resistance/energy dissipation. This study investigates the mechanical performance of the proposed multi-layered composite configuration under high strain rate loading through a computational approach. The proposed multi-layered structure incorporates layers of reinforced concrete, boulders, an elastomer layer, an ultra-high-performance concrete panel, and a layer of steel plate. A mesoscale-based approach has been developed for the layer comprising boulders and mortar. A total of six different configurations have been considered to arrive at the most efficient one against projectile impact. Optimization of the proposed configurations has been done by utilizing the concepts of specific energy absorption and shock impedance. Additionally, the fracture and damage characteristics of each configuration are also studied. Ductile hole enlargement in the sandy soil layer, fragmentation failure in the boulders, petaling failure in the steel plate, and spalling failure in the concrete layer have been observed. Based on the specific energy absorption and shock impedance approaches, the optimum laying sequence for the ballistic impact of each material is suggested.

Residual mechanical properties of high strength concrete BBR9 subjected to dynamic uniaxial compressive loading

In recent years, enormous efforts have been devoted to accurately quantifying the residual load-bearing capacity of concrete at the material level when exposed to elevated temperatures. However, relatively less attention has been given to investigating the effects of dynamic events such as terrorist attacks, earthquakes, and hurricanes, which can cause complete collapse of concrete structures and have significant public and economic consequences. Hence, in the present study, a modified Kolsky compression bar system integrated with a momentum trapping technique was implemented to develop precisely controlled pre-/post peak high strain-rate loading to introduce distinctive states of damage inside the high strength concrete HSC-BBR9 specimens and to measure the corresponding plastic strain. Thereafter, the partially damaged specimens were tested to quantify the residual mechanical properties (e.g., residual stiffness and residual strength) at different plastic strain levels. Furthermore, a high-resolution laboratory micro-CT scanner was used to visualize the 3D crack network morphology in the partially damaged specimens. The findings demonstrated a remarkable decrease in the residual capacity with increasing levels of damage-induced plastic deformation. Additionally, the results showed a fundamental difference in the influence of internal damage on residual stiffness and strength to be acknowledged in the formulations of future constitutive damage models for concrete materials.

Strain-rate sensitivity analysis of microwave processed polypropylene-carbon nanotube composites

The study investigates the strain rate sensitivity of microwave-processed polypropylene nanocomposites containing a 10% volume fraction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), synthesized using a domestic microwave applicator (DMA). Through experimental analysis under various loading conditions including tensile, flexural, and multistep relaxation loads, the mechanical strength of these nanocomposites is assessed alongside destructive testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. Mathematical models are proposed to elucidate the mechanical response under different strain rate loadings. The nanocomposite exhibits elastoplastic behavior, with maximum elongation observed at a strain rate of 3 mm/min. During uniaxial tension tests, the ultimate strength increases significantly from 5.74 MPa at 1.52 mm/min to 13.8 MPa and 15.7 MPa at 1 mm/min and 2 mm/min respectively during multistep relaxation tests. The true stress-true strain curve follows a power law of strain hardening under high strain rate tensile tests. Flexural tests reveal maximum flexural strength and modulus at a strain rate of 1.25 mm/min, with elongation peaking at 1.50 mm/min. Mechanical properties, including modulus and ultimate strength, show an increasing trend with strain rate until a limiting value is reached, beyond which thermal softening occurs. SEM fractography illustrates the random and spatial distribution of CNTs at low strain rates, whereas agglomeration and CNT pull-out are observed at higher strain rates. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the intricate mechanical behavior of microwave-processed polypropylene nanocomposites, offering insights into their potential applications and optimization strategies.

Dynamic Constitutive Model and Numerical Simulation of S32760 Duplex Stainless Steel Based on Dislocation Theory

Background: To describe the complex mechanical behavior of S32760 duplex stain-less steel under high strain rate and high-temperature loading conditions. Objective: The constitutive model of S32760 duplex stainless steel suitable for high strain rate was constructed from the micro-scale. Methods: Based on the theory of dislocation dynamics, the effects of different strain rates and strains on the plastic deformation of ferrite and austenite were analyzed, and the thermal stress term and non-thermal stress term of ferrite and austenite phases were coupled. Results: The simulation results of the model show that the S32760 dual-phase constitutive model has a high degree of fit with the experimental data at high strain rates. Conclusion: Compared with the classical J-C model, the results show that the constitutive model of this patent has more accurate predictability than the J-C model in describing the mechanical behavior of duplex stainless steel in the high strain range of 5000s-1 to 10000s-1.

Regulating loading strain rates under shockless quasi-isentropic compression using a resin-based areal density gradient flyer

Areal density gradient flyers (ADGFs) have important applications in quasi-isentropic compression and high strain rate loading. The wave impedance gradient distribution of the reported ADGFs is single, and the effects of different wave impedance gradient distributions and spikes number density on the loading results are unknown. In this study, the resin-based ADGFs with different spike areal density distribution and spikes number density were designed and prepared using projection micro stereolithography technology (PμSL). The printing accuracy of ADGFs was evaluated using three-dimensional optical profiler, optical microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and ultra depth of field microscope. The loading process of the ADGF on the target was studied by experiment and simulation. The simulation result was consistent with the experimental result. Augmenting the wave impedance distribution index (P) of spikes and spikes number density increases the loading strain rate. Due to the high printing accuracy of PμSL, the fine ADGF structures with large spikes number density can be prepared, thereby promoting the formation of quasi-isentropic compression plane waves. This work realizes the regulation of loading strain rate under shockless quasi-isentropic compression, which is significant for understanding the mechanical response of materials under high strain rate loads.

Sustainability and Resiliency Investigation of Grouted Coupler Embedded in RC ABC Bridge Pier at Vehicle Impact

Increased occurrences of natural and man-made dynamic loading caused by high strain rate dynamic impact load have been recently reported. Different statistical results indicate that vehicular impacts occur more frequently compared to the other dynamic loads. However, existing literature primarily focuses on enhancing survivability and determining damage levels specifically in relation to faster bridge construction methods used as an accelerated bridge construction (ABC). In this context, the present study investigates the dynamic behavior of a commonly used connection type in ABC, namely grouted coupler that connects pre-cast elements like bridge piers and foundations. To execute the research, both the static and dynamic performance of grouted couplers embedded in pier foundation subjected to high strain rate loading incurred by high velocity vehicular impact are examined. A representative non-traditional reinforced concrete (RC) bridge pier is selected for the study with the standardized geometry and selected material properties. The use of splice sleeves as coupler materials and specified cross-sectional hollow cast iron cylinders filled with high strength concrete grout is employed for developing Finite Element (FE) modeling, extracting data from published journals. A commercial software, ANSYS, has been utilized to develop FE models to capture post impact respective static and dynamic behaviors, and the simulation results are then compared with the analytical. This also includes determining material performance via FE simulations. By considering dynamic loading, the dynamic impact factor (DIF) has been evaluated for the reinforcing steel bar adjacent and embedded into the coupler. In addition, dynamic simulations, and material modulus in demand to sustain impact are determined. Thus, the research necessitates mesh-independent sensitivity studies to investigate DIF corresponding to the precise outcomes. The findings of this study manifests valuable information that aids to opt for the suitable coupler connections, considering material properties, and adequate post impact execution. Consequently, it will serve as a useful design tool for design offices, structural practitioners, and forensic structural engineers.

The Influence of Strain Rate Behavior on Laminated Glass Interlayer Types for Cured and Uncured Polymers.

Recent explosions and impact events have highlighted the exposure of civil structures, prompting the need for resilient new constructions and retrofitting of existing ones. Laminated glass panels, particularly in glazed facades, are increasingly used to enhance blast resistance. However, the understanding of glass fragments and their interaction with the interlayer is still incomplete. This paper investigates experimentally the quasi-static and dynamic responses of cured and uncured polymers for seven different materials-two different products of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), two ethylene vinyl acetate products (EVA), one product of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and two SentryGlas products (SG)-that were tested between 21 and 32 °C (69.8 and 89.6 °F), which is the recommended room temperature. In these experiments, the responses of PVB, EVA, TPU, and SG were evaluated under a quasi-static strain rate of 0.033 s-1 and compared to the results under a relatively higher strain rate of 2 s-1. Moreover, the high strain rate loading of the materials was accomplished using a drop-weight testing appliance to evaluate the engineering stress-strain response under strain rates between 20 and 50 s-1. The results demonstrated that with strain rates of 20 s-1, PVB behaved like a material with viscoelastic characteristics, but at 45 s-1 strain rates, PVB became a non-elastic material. SG, on the other hand, offered both a high stiffness and a high level of transparency, making it a very good alternative to PVB in structural applications. In contrast, after the maximum stress point, the response to the failure of the seven materials differed significantly. The tests provided ample information for evaluating alternative approaches to modeling these different materials in blast events.

Modelling the brittle rock failure by the quaternion-based bonded-particle model in DEM

This paper presents an investigation of brittle rock failure by the quaternion-based bonded-particle model in discrete element method (DEM). Unlike traditional approaches that utilize Euler angles or rotation matrices, this model employs unit quaternions to represent the spatial rotations of particles. This method simplifies the representation of 3D rotations, providing a more intuitive framework for modelling complex interactions in granular materials. The numerical model was validated by the uniaxial compression tests on rock, with good agreement with well-documented experimental data in terms of the rock uniaxial compression strength (UCS) and failure mode. During loading, the rock sample demonstrated a linear-elastic response at an axial strain of smaller than 0.45%. However, as internal bond breakage accumulated, this linear relationship weakened, and the stress-strain curve began to deviate from its initial linear trajectory. The bond breakage and the overall deformation of the rock were primarily controlled by the shear bonding force. The UCS was achieved at an axial strain of 0.625%, at which point the internal shear bonding force chains were predominantly aligned vertically. The brittle failure occurred when the internal damage of solids nucleated to form an interconnected failure plane, accompanied by a sharp rise in the internal damage ratio. The area of failure plane increased with the loading strain rate, gradually transforming the failure pattern from the local damage to a complete fragmentation.

On the strain-rate dependent compressive failure behavior of 2.5D woven composites

Understanding the mechanical failure behavior of 2.5D woven composites (2.5DWC) is challenging due to their complex fabric configurations and multi-scale structural properties. This challenge is particularly prominent in the realm of dynamic mechanical properties and damage failure mechanisms under high strain rates. Therefore, a comprehensive approach combining a series of quasi-static and dynamic mechanical tests with mesoscale finite element simulation methods is adopted to perform an in-depth analysis of the mechanical response and progressive damage behaviors of a Twilled 2.5D Woven Composite (T-2.5DWC) under different strain rate loads. The results indicate that the compressive strengths as well as the failure behaviors of the T-2.5DWC exhibit an obvious strain rate strengthening effect in both the weft and warp directions. In addition, the rate-dependent finite element model developed in this study accurately simulates the compressive modulus and strength of T-2.5DWC along both the warp and weft directions under various strain rates.