2020 Virtual undergraduate Research symposium
Phase-Field Modeling of Ductile Fracture in Metals Using the FEniCS Open-Source Software
PROJECT NUMBER: 77
AUTHOR: Valerie Svaldi, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering | MENTOR: Fabio Di Gioacchino, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
ABSTRACT
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It is of great interest to the engineering and research community to have computational modeling that is able to accurately reproduce various behavioral features involved in fracture mechanics, such as stress state, necking, ductility, damage patterns, final failure mode, and load-carrying capacity. This research explores the predictive ability of phase-field modeling of ductile fracture mechanics in metal by using open-source finite element method software, FEniCS. Specifically, it is focused on testing the ability of numerical simulations to predict the complex crack propagation path of ductile fracture in metals. This is done by comparing numerical simulations from FEniCS with benchmark experimental observations reported by Sandia National Laboratories “Fracture Challenge” [Boyce et al., 14]. Future application of this work is specifically directed to the assessment of unstable fracture in high strength steel used in pipelines.
VISUAL PRESENTATION
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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
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Valerie Svaldi is a junior at Colorado School of Mines (CSM) pursuing a B.S. in Metallurgical & Material Engineering. Valerie participates as a student research assistant in the 2019-2020 Mines Undergraduate Research Fellowship (MURF) with faculty mentor and ASPPRC research associate, Dr. Fabio Di Gioacchino. Current research explores the use of phase-field modeling of ductile fracture in metal by using the open-source software, FEniCS. She is planning to continue her academic studies at CSM with interest in the Space Resources Graduate Program.
Very interesting project, Valerie! Over all, nice visuals and clear communication of ideas. I would love to learn more about FEniCS. I am curious to understand the significance of this programs past, present, and future role in predictable modeling. As a novice, the only thing that was a little unclear to me was the difference between brittle and ductile fracturing modeling and where the problem lies with reliable ductile fracture modeling. I wish I had been able to attend your full talk today to inquire further. Great work!