MICROMECHANICS BASED DUCTILE FRACTURE SIMULATION IN STAINLESS STEEL

Abstract

Ductile fracture, a critical failure mode in structural materials, plays a pivotal role in the design and integrity of engineering components. This report delves into the development and application of a micromechanical void growth ductile fracture model for stainless Steel, a widely used material in various industries. The study employs a multi-scale approach, bridging the gap between microstructural damage mechanisms and macroscopic fracture behaviour. Our investigation begins by examining the micromechanical aspects of void nucleation, growth, and coalescence within the stainless-steel microstructure, emphasizing the role of inclusions and grain boundaries. By combining finite element simulations and experimental data, the proposed model accurately captures the evolution of voids under different loading conditions, shedding light on the complex interplay of plasticity and damage. Furthermore, this report elucidates the critical parameters governing ductile fracture in stainless Steel, such as stress triaxiality, Lode parameter, and strain rate sensitivity. The model’s predictive capabilities are evaluated against real-world fracture scenarios, including tension, shear, and impact loading conditions. Understanding the micromechanical void growth ductile fracture model for stainless Steel offers valuable insights for material scientists, engineers, and researchers. It enhances our ability to optimize material selection and design strategies, leading to safer and more durable structures in a variety of applications. Additionally, the insights gained from this research contribute to the ongoing development of robust fracture criteria for stainless Steel, ultimately improving the reliability and performance of critical components in the engineering world.