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A Computational Model for Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking

Citation

Rimoli, Julian Jose (2009) A Computational Model for Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/K1HJ-DZ56. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05142009-135909

Abstract

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a very common failure mechanism characterized by a slow, environmentally induced crack propagation in structural components. Time-to-failure tests and crack-growth-rate tests are widespread practices for studying the response of various materials undergoing SCC. However, due to the large amount of factors affecting the phenomenon and the scattered data, they do not provide enough information for quantifying the effects of main SCC mechanisms. This thesis is concerned with the development of a novel 3-dimensional, multiphysics model for understanding the intergranular SCC of polycrystalline materials under the effect of impurity-enhanced decohesion. This new model is based upon: (i) a robust algorithm capable of generating the geometry of polycrystals for objects of arbitrary shape; (ii) a continuum finite element model of the crystals including crystal plasticity; (iii) a grain boundary diffusion model informed with first-principles computations of diffusion coefficients; and (iv) an intergranular cohesive model described by concentration-dependent constitutive relations also derived from first-principles. Results are validated and compared against crack-growth-rate and initiation time tests.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:cracking; hydrogen embrittlement; polycrystals; stress corrosion
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Aeronautics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Ortiz, Michael
Group:GALCIT
Thesis Committee:
  • Ortiz, Michael (chair)
  • Daraio, Chiara
  • Ravichandran, Guruswami
  • Krishnan, Swaminathan
Defense Date:5 May 2009
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-05142009-135909
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05142009-135909
DOI:10.7907/K1HJ-DZ56
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Rimoli, Julian Jose0000-0002-8707-2968
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:1808
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:29 May 2009
Last Modified:26 Nov 2019 19:13

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