Nonlinear Elastic Body Research Articles

Bifurcation-induced dual Poynting effect in transversely isotropic hyperelastic bodies

Inspired by the behaviour exhibited by certain biological systems, we demonstrate, through analytical solutions, a new coupling phenomenon in fibre-reinforced materials, which we term the dual Poynting effect . Specifically, we show that, in a transversely isotropic, nonlinear elastic prismatic body, constituted by a soft matrix embedded with sufficiently stiff fibres aligned along the prism axis, compression can induce a supercritical bifurcation at a specific stretch threshold. Both in the shear of a rectangular block and in the torsion of a cylindrical body, compressing beyond a bifurcation stretch threshold results in combined shear-extension or torsion-extension deformed configurations, where the object prefers to accommodate to minimize the total potential energy. Here, we rigorously analyse this effect within the framework of the nonlinear theory of hyperelastic fibre-reinforced materials, determine the constitutive requirements that make the dual solution energetically favoured, describe the (supercritical) bifurcation diagrams, and establish the corresponding stretch thresholds.

Optimal control of a frictional contact problem with unilateral constraints

We consider a mathematical model that describes a static contact with a nonlinear elastic body and a foundation. The contact boundary is composed of two measurable parts. In one part, the contact is frictionless with Signorini's conditions. In the other part, the normal stress is given and associated with Coulomb's friction law. We state an optimal control problem that consists of leading the stress tensor as close as possible to a given target by acting with a control on the boundary. Then, we study the penalized and regularized control problem for which we establish a convergence result.

PERIODIC ATEB-FUNCTIONS AND THE VAN DER POL METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING SOLUTIONS OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR OSCILLATIONS MODELS OF ELASTIC BODIES

In the process of operation, the simplest elements (hereinafter elastic bodies) of machines and mechanisms under the influence of external and internal factors carry out complex oscillations ‒ a combination of longitudinal, bending and torsion combinations in various combinations. In general, mathematical models of the process of such complex phenomena in elastic bodies, even for one-dimensional calculation models, are boundary value problems for systems of partial differential equations. A two-dimensional mathematical model of oscillatory processes in a nonlinear elastic body is considered. A method of constructing an analytical solution of the corresponding boundary-value problems for nonlinear partial differential equations is proposed, which is based on the use of Ateba functions, the Van der Pol method, ideas of asymptotic integration, and the principle of single-frequency oscillations. For "undisturbed" analogues of the model equations, single-frequency solutions were obtained in an explicit form, and for "perturbed" ‒ analytical dependences of the basic parameters of the oscillation process on a small perturbation. The dependence of the main frequency of oscillations on the amplitude and non-linearity parameter of elastic properties in the case of single-frequency oscillations of "unperturbed motion" is established. An asymptotic approximation of the solution of the autonomous "perturbed" problem is constructed. Graphs of changes in amplitude and frequency of oscillations depending on the values of the system parameters are given.

Finite element study of V-shaped crack-tip fields in a three-dimensional nonlinear strain-limiting elastic body

We study the crack-tip fields in a three-dimensional (3D) plate with a V-shaped crack employing Rajagopal’s theory of elasticity with the strain-limiting effect. The classical linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) theory bears a well-documented inconsistency, i.e., for a static crack problem under the traction-free boundary condition, the LEFM theory predicts singular crack-tip strains. Such results are inconsistent with the constitutive relation derived using the assumption of uniform bound for the strain values. Instead, Rajagopal’s recent theory of elasticity provides implicit constitutive relations between the linearized strain and Cauchy stress in which one can impose an a-priori upper bound for strains. We formulate the strain-limiting theory comprehensively in this article. The linearized strain is expressed as a nonlinear function of the Cauchy stress. The equation for the equilibrium of the linear momentum under a special type of nonlinear constitutive relation reduces to a second-order quasilinear elliptic boundary value problem (BVP). Using a Picard-type linearization and a continuous Galerkin-type finite element technique, we solve several BVPs with tensile and shear displacement loading. The numerical results for the strains, the stresses, the stress intensity factor (SIF), and strain energy density (SED) are obtained for different Poisson values, strain-limiting parametric values, and the V-shaped angles. The growth of the near-tip strains is far less than that of stresses, and the results for both the SIF and SED are also consistent with the results from LEFM. Our work demonstrates that the framework of Rajagopal’s theory of elasticity can provide a basis for developing physically meaningful and mathematically well-posed BVPs to study evolution of cracks, damage, nucleation, or failure in elastic bodies.

Advancements in Phase-Field Modeling for Fracture in Nonlinear Elastic Solids under Finite Deformations

The prediction of failure mechanisms in nonlinear elastic materials holds significant importance in engineering applications. In recent years, the phase-field model has emerged as an effective approach for addressing fracture problems. Compared with other discontinuous fracture methods, the phase-field method allows for the easy simulation of complex fracture paths, including crack initiation, propagation, coalescence, and branching phenomena, through a scalar field known as the phase field. This method offers distinct advantages in tackling complex fracture problems in nonlinear elastic materials and exhibits substantial potential in material design and manufacturing. The current research has indicated that the energy distribution method employed in phase-field approaches significantly influences the simulated results of material fracture, such as crack initiation load, crack propagation path, crack branching, and so forth. This impact is particularly pronounced when simulating the fracture of nonlinear materials under finite deformation. Therefore, this review outlines various strain energy decomposition methods proposed by researchers for phase-field models of fracture in tension–compression symmetric nonlinear elastic materials. Additionally, the energy decomposition model for tension–compression asymmetric nonlinear elastic materials is also presented. Moreover, the fracture behavior of hydrogels is investigated through the application of the phase-field model with energy decomposition. In addition to summarizing the research on these types of nonlinear elastic body fractures, this review presents numerical benchmark examples from relevant studies to assess and validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the methods presented.

A non-second-gradient model for nonlinear elastic bodies with fibre stiffness

In the past, to model fibre stiffness of finite-radius fibres, previous finite-strain (nonlinear) models were mainly based on the theory of non-linear strain-gradient (second-gradient) theory or Kirchhoff rod theory. We note that these models characterize the mechanical behaviour of polar transversely isotropic solids with infinitely many purely flexible fibres with zero radius. To introduce the effect of fibre bending stiffness on purely flexible fibres with zero radius, these models assumed the existence of couple stresses (contact torques) and non-symmetric Cauchy stresses. However, these stresses are not present on deformations of actual non-polar elastic solids reinforced by finite-radius fibres. In addition to this, the implementation of boundary conditions for second gradient models is not straightforward and discussion on the effectiveness of strain gradient elasticity models to mechanically describe continuum solids is still ongoing. In this paper, we develop a constitutive equation for a non-linear non-polar elastic solid, reinforced by embedded fibers, in which elastic resistance of the fibers to bending is modelled via the classical branches of continuum mechanics, where the development of the theory of stresses is based on non-polar materials; that is, without using the second gradient theory, which is associated with couple stresses and non-symmetric Cauchy stresses. In view of this, the proposed model is simple and somewhat more realistic compared to previous second gradient models.

Определение прогибов физически нелинейной балки на упругом основании

The article deals with the issues of determining the deflections of a beam lying on an elastic foundation with a constant coefficient of rigidity, while the beam is made of a material that has a non-linear relationship between stresses and deformations. The physical non-linearity of the beam material is taken into account by approximating the relationship between stresses and strains with a cubic parabola; such an approximation well describes the deformation curves of a non-linear elastic body with the same diagram of the work of the material in tension and compression. As an example, the deflections of a non-linear elastic beam of rectangular cross section, which lies on the Winkler base and carries a uniformly distributed load along the entire length, are considered for three cases of support fastenings at the edges: with two hinged supports, with two terminations, and with termination and hinged support. The method of successive approximations is used to obtain a solution to the non-linear equation for deflections, which depends on dimensionless parameters that take into account the influence of an elastic foundation, the physical non-linearity of the material, and a uniformly distributed load. The dependence of the change in the value of the maximum relative deflection on the coefficient of the bed and the distributed load, obtained by calculation, taking into account the influence of the physical non-linearity of the material for three cases of support fastenings, is given. The results of the calculations showed that the presence of additional bonds reduces the influence of the physical non-linearity of the beam material on its deflections.

Finite element study of V-shaped crack-tip fields in a three-dimensional nonlinear strain-limiting elastic body

We study the crack-tip fields in a three-dimensional (3D) plate with a V-shaped crack employing Rajagopal’s theory of elasticity with the strain-limiting effect. The classical linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) theory bears a well-documented inconsistency, i.e., for a static crack problem under the traction-free boundary condition, the LEFM theory predicts singular crack-tip strains. Such results are inconsistent with the constitutive relation derived using the assumption of uniform bound for the strain values. Instead, Rajagopal’s recent theory of elasticity provides implicit constitutive relations between the linearized strain and Cauchy stress in which one can impose an a-priori upper bound for strains. We formulate the strain-limiting theory comprehensively in this article. The linearized strain is expressed as a nonlinear function of the Cauchy stress. The equation for the equilibrium of the linear momentum under a special type of nonlinear constitutive relation reduces to a second-order quasilinear elliptic boundary value problem (BVP). Using a Picard-type linearization and a continuous Galerkin-type finite element technique, we solve several BVPs with tensile and shear displacement loading. The numerical results for the strains, the stresses, the stress intensity factor (SIF), and strain energy density (SED) are obtained for different Poisson values, strain-limiting parametric values, and the V-shaped angles. The growth of the near-tip strains is far less than that of stresses, and the results for both the SIF and SED are also consistent with the results from LEFM. Our work demonstrates that the framework of Rajagopal’s theory of elasticity can provide a basis for developing physically meaningful and mathematically well-posed BVPs to study evolution of cracks, damage, nucleation, or failure in elastic bodies.

Existence and asymptotic stability for generalized elasticity equation with variable exponent

In this paper we propose a new mathematical model describing the deformations of an isotropic nonlinear elastic body with variable exponent in dynamic regime. We assume that the stress tensor \(\sigma^{p(\cdot)}\) has the form \[\sigma^{p(\cdot)}(u)=(2\mu +|d(u)|^{p(\cdot)-2})d(u)+\lambda Tr(d(u)) I_{3},\] where \(u\) is the displacement field, \(\mu\), \(\lambda\) are the given coefficients \(d(\cdot)\) and \(I_{3}\) are the deformation tensor and the unit tensor, respectively. By using the Faedo-Galerkin techniques and a compactness result we prove the existence of the weak solutions, then we study the asymptotic behaviour stability of the solutions.

Pressure live loads and the variational derivation of linear elasticity

The rigorous derivation of linear elasticity from finite elasticity by means of $\Gamma$-convergence is a well-known result, which has been extended to different models also beyond the elastic regime. However, in these results the applied forces are usually assumed to be dead loads, that is, their density in the reference configuration is independent of the actual deformation. In this paper we begin a study of the variational derivation of linear elasticity in the presence of live loads. We consider a pure traction problem for a nonlinearly elastic body subject to a pressure live load and we compute its linearization for small pressure by $\Gamma$-convergence. We allow for a weakly coercive elastic energy density and we prove strong convergence of minimizers.

Bulking of physically nonlinear plates under the action of dynamic shearing loads

The study of the stability of plates under shear under the action of dynamic loads is one of the important problems of structural mechanics. The plates are widely used in construction, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and aircraft building. The paper presents a method for calculating plates for shear buckling, taking into account the physical nonlinearity of the material. A plate is considered under the action of a shearing dynamic load along the edges. The calculation is based on the Kirchhoff - Love hypotheses and the hypothesis of a non-linear elastic body. The plate material is assumed to be physically nonlinear. The deformation diagram is approximated as a cubic polynomial. The deflection of the plate points is determined in the form of Vlasov - Kantorovich expansions. Basic non-linear differential equations are derived using the energy method. Lagrange’s equations are used to obtain the resolving equations for plate buckling. On the basis of the developed technique, a calculation was made for the stability of a physically nonlinear square plate under the action of a shear dynamic load. The edges of the plate are hinged. The finite system of nonlinear differential equations is integrated numerically by the Runge - Kutta method. Based on the results of calculations, plots of the dependence of the relative value of the deflection of the central point of the plate on the dynamic coefficient Kd (with and without taking into account the physical nonlinearity of the material) are plotted. The influence of the degree of physical nonlinearity of the material, the parameter of the rate of change of the shear load on the criteria for the dynamic stability of a square plate is studied.

Optimal control of a bilateral contact with friction

We consider a mathematical model which describes a static frictional contact between a nonlinear elastic body and a rigid foundation. The contact is modelled with Tresca’s nonlocal friction law. We derive a variational formulation and prove its uniqu

Implicit nonlinear elastic bodies with density dependent material moduli and its linearization

We develop an implicit constitutive relation to describe the response of a compressible elastic solid, based on physical considerations, that captures all the characteristics exhibited by the popular Blatz–Ko model, but in addition presents some interesting novel features. The fact that the Cauchy stress appears linearly in the implicit constitutive relation between the stress and the left Cauchy–Green strain with the material moduli depending nonlinearly on the deformation gradient, allows us to capture several characteristic features of the response of rubber-like elastic solids. Interestingly, in the nonlinear implicit model that we develop, we find that it is possible to have the normal stress components of the stress influence the shearing motion at second order, when considering weakly nonlinear waves, that only occurs at third order within the case of the classical nonlinear Cauchy elasticity theory. Linearization of the constitutive relation under the assumption of small displacement gradient reduces the constitutive relation to one whose material moduli can depend on the trace of the linearized strain and hence the density in virtue of the balance of mass, such a feature is not possible within the context of the Blatz–Ko constitutive relation, or for that matter any Cauchy elastic body, as linearization leads to the classical linearized elastic constitutive relation that has constant material moduli.

A new type of constitutive equation for nonlinear elastic bodies. Fitting with experimental data for rubber-like materials

In this article, we develop a new implicit constitutive relation, which is based on a thermodynamic foundation that relates the Hencky strain to the Cauchy stress, by assuming a structure for the Gibbs potential based on the Cauchy stress. We study the tension/compression of a cylinder, biaxial stretching of a thin plate and simple shear within the context of our constitutive relation. We then compare the predictions of the constitutive relation that we develop and that of Ogden’s constitutive relation with the experiments of Treloar concerning tension/compression of a cylinder, and we show that the predictions of our constitutive relation provide a better description than Ogden’s model, with fewer material moduli.

A finite-element discretization of some boundary value problems for nonlinear strain-limiting elastic bodies

It is well known that the linearized theory of elasticity admits the logically inconsistent solution of singular strains when applied to certain naive models of fracture while the theory is a first-order approximation to finite elasticity in the asymptotic limit of infinitesimal displacement gradient. Meanwhile, the strain-limiting models, a special subclass of nonlinear implicit constitutive relations, predict uniformly bounded strain in the whole material body including at the strain-concentrator such as a crack tip or reentrant corner. Such a nonlinear approximation cannot be possible within the standard linearization procedure of either Cauchy or Green elasticity. In this work, we examine a finite-element discretization for several boundary value problems to study the state of stress–strain in the solid body of which response is described by a nonlinear strain-limiting theory of elasticity. The problems of notches, oriented cracks, and an interface crack in anti-plane shear are analyzed. The numerical results indicate that the linearized strain remains below a value that can be fixed a priori, therefore, ensuring the validity of the nonlinear model. In addition, we find high stress values in the neighborhood of the crack tip in every example, thereby suggesting that the crack tip acts as a singular energy sink for a stationary crack. We also calculate the stress intensity factor (SIF) in this study. The computed value of SIF in the nonlinear strain-limiting model is corresponding to that of the classical linear model, and thereby providing a tenet for a possible local criterion for fracture. The framework of strain-limiting theories, within which the linearized strain bears a nonlinear relationship with the stress, can provide a rational basis for developing physically meaningful models to study a crack evolution in elastic solids.

The method of boundary states with perturbations as applied to the analysis of geometrically non-linear elastostatic bodies

This study makes a case for the application of the numeric and analytic method of boundary states with perturbations (MBSP) to analytic problems focused on the stress-strain states (SSS) of geometrically non-linear isotropic elastic bodies. The defining relations are represented through a weakly non-linear operator equation that contains (on an additive basis) a non-linear operator decomposable into a linear combination of a sequence of linear operators. A solution is proposed for a simple case of a linearly heterogeneous uniaxial loading problem for a long half-pipe with butt ends subjected to loads. Even in this load scenario, geometrical non-linearity affects the way the body alters its shape and causes buckling. This study analyzes the SSS involved, draws conclusions, and addresses application prospects.

Influence of Impulse Disturbances on Oscillations of Nonlinearly Elastic Bodies

A method for studying the effect of impulse perturbation on the longitudinal oscillations of a homogeneous constant cross-section of the body and the elastic properties of a material which satisfies the essentially nonlinear law of elasticity has been developed. A mathematical model of the process is presented, which is an equation of hyperbolic type with a small parameter at the discrete right-hand side. The latter expresses the effect of impulse perturbation on the oscillatory process. As for the boundary conditions considered in the work, they are classic of the first, second and third genera. The methodology is based on: the principle of oscillation frequency in nonlinear systems with many degrees of freedom and distributed parameters; basic provisions of asymptotic methods of nonlinear mechanics; the idea of using special periodic Ateb-functions to construct solutions of some classes of nonlinear differential equations; properties of completeness and orthonormality of functions that describe the forms of oscillations of undisturbed motion. In general, the above allowed to obtain relations that describe for the first approximation the defining parameters of the oscillations of an elastic body. Their peculiarity is that even for undisturbed motion, the natural frequency of oscillations depends on the amplitude, and therefore, under the action of a periodic (over time) pulse force on the elastic body, both resonant and nonresonant processes are possible in the latter. It, in contrast to an elastic body with linear or quasilinear elastic properties of the body is determined not only by its basic physical and mechanical properties, but also by the amplitude of oscillations. As a special case, the oscillations of the body under the action of a constant periodic momentum perturbation are considered. It is shown that for the nonresonant case for the first approximation it does not affect the laws of change of amplitude and frequency of the process. As for the resonant is the amplitude of origin through the main resonance significantly depends not only on the speed but also on the points of action of the pulsed perturbation. Moreover, the closer the point of application of the pulsed force to the middle of the elastic body under boundary conditions of the first kind is greater (for boundary conditions of the second kind closer to the end).

Assessment of wave induced higher order resonant vibrations of ships at forward speed

An efficient nonlinear time domain method computed higher order springing induced vertical bending vibrations of ships in waves. A weakly nonlinear time domain approach obtained the hydrodynamic response of the elastic hull girder, and a linear finite element model based on Timoshenko’s beam theory calculated its structural response. Coupling of the fully nonlinear stationary forward speed problem with the weakly nonlinear elastic body seakeeping problem constituted the major progress. We demonstrated that accounting for the nonlinear stationary forward speed problem significantly affected the prediction of springing-induced vibrations. Rigid body motions were computed via a nonlinear equations of motion. Elastic vibrations were computed using the modal superposition technique based on linear elastic motion equations. Radiation forces of the moving and vibrating hull structure (rigid body and elastic) were computed via convolution integrals, and Froude–Krylov and hydrostatic forces were combined and integrated over the instantaneous wetted surface. A waterline integral accounted for nonlinear effects of radiation and diffraction forces due to the changing wetted surface. A two-way coupling algorithm ensured accurate convergence. Comparisons of the numerically calculated midship vertical bending moment of a large container ship with experimental results showed good agreement. Investigations of the subject container ship advancing at forward speeds of 15 and 22kn in regular head waves focused on second, third, and fourth order springing.

Identification of the Model of Nonlinear Elasticity in Dynamic Experiments

Dynamic methods for identifying a model of a nonlinearly elastic deformable body are considered. By the effective phase velocities of longitudinal and transverse waves propagating along and across the axis of the compressed bar, it is possible to determine five elastic constants of the second and third orders included in the model relations. Calculation formulae are obtained and an example of determining the dependence of phase velocities on the preliminary deformation for polyamide 6 is given. The influence of preliminary deformations on polar diagrams of wave velocities is investigated.

A class of transversely isotropic non-linear elastic bodies that is not Green elastic

An implicit constitutive relation is proposed to study transversely isotropic bodies. The relation is obtained assuming the existence of a Gibbs potential that depends on the second Piola–Kirchhoff stress tensor, from which the Green Saint-Venant strain tensor is obtained as the derivative with respect to the stress. The responses of unconstrained as well as inextensible bodies are studied, and some boundary value problems are analysed. An inextensible body, where the constraint of inextensibility appears only in tension is also considered.