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Discrete element model for cracking in defective ceramics under uniaxial compression

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Abstract

In this study, an improved discrete element model (DEM) is developed to understand the defect effect in ceramic cracking process. First, model parameters based on the linear parallel bonding model are calibrated using microcell deformation experiments and orthogonal experimental design methods. Then, the uniaxial compression of ceramics with different crack lengths and inclination angles are simulated. The crack initiation and propagation processes are illustrated with displacement and stress fields. The results show the predicted crack patterns are qualitatively in agreement with experimental observations. There are two stages of crack propagation with increasing uniaxial compressive load, i.e., primary and secondary cracks. In addition, the inclination and crack length of the defects have a great influence on the mode of crack initiation and propagation, and the first crack is more likely to initiate and extend for the defects with larger crack length and smaller inclination angle.

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The raw/processed data required to reproduce these findings cannot be shared at this time as the data also forms part of an ongoing study.

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Acknowledgements

Y.F. Li greatly appreciates the support from the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin (21JCYBJC01400) and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tianjin Key Laboratory of Advanced Mechatronics Equipment Technology, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China

    Yafeng Li

  2. School of Mechanical Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China

    Yafeng Li, Lei Wang & Hongfei Gao

  3. Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Jing Zhang

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  1. Yafeng Li
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  2. Lei Wang
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  3. Hongfei Gao
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  4. Jing Zhang
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Correspondence to Yafeng Li or Jing Zhang.

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Li, Y., Wang, L., Gao, H. et al. Discrete element model for cracking in defective ceramics under uniaxial compression. Comp. Part. Mech. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40571-023-00672-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40571-023-00672-0

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