Fast estimation of localized plasticity and damage by energetic methods. (Q1863329)

It is known, that damage may be taken into account in a fully coupled manner with elasticity and plasticity, but this leads to costly computations, which are incompatible with an early design and with repeated resolutions of the nonlinear mechanical problem. In this paper, in the framework of small scale yielding conditions, a quick method is proposed for the determination of structural failure. The three-steps procedure is based on an accurate linear elastic finite element computation (first step), in which the layers are assumed to be elastic. The second step is the evaluation of the localized plasticity in the stress concentration zones previously exhibited. Local energetic methods, namely: Neuber's, the strain energy density (SED), and the complementary energy density (CED) ones are justified by use of path-independent integrals. Neuber's method also completed for locally 2D problems by the study of the stress triaxiality ratio, defined as the hydrostatic stress divided by the equivalent stress. Under plane deformation assumption, the closed-form expression of the stress triaxility for points located along free edges is obtained. This parameter only depends on the von Mises equivalent stress. Then, based on the virtual work principle, Neuber's method gives results for von Mises stress and accumulated plastic strain between those given by the SED and CED methods. These methods are particularized for elasto-plasticity with linear isotropic hardening and with exponential isotropic hardening. Then, it is shown, that the corresponding integrals stated for governing equations in the cases of the cyclic fatigue loading and thermal stresses are preserved by path-independent ones. The third step of the proposed method concerns the post-calculation of damage up to crack initiation by the time integration of Lemaitre's damage evolution law during the whole loading process. Damage is described by the state variable, which models a loss of resisting area due to microcracks and microcavities. This applies to damage induced by plasticity and takes into account the stress triaxility effect on the growth of damage. Calculations made for a holed plate (plane strain) and for a bi-axial testing specimen (plane stress) from 2 1/4 Cr steel validate the method.