A “Numerical Mesoscope” for the Investigation of Local Fields in Rate-Dependent Elastoplastic Materials at Finite Strain

Abstract

We propose a “numerical mesoscope” which could be used for the analysis of the local mechanical fields over small critical areas of microheterogeneous materials, in order to predict the local initiation of specific deformation or damage mechanisms. The subdomain under investigation is embedded in a very large homogeneous matrix obeying the overall behavior of the studied material, as determined experimentally. This matrix is subjected to homogeneous stress or strain boundary conditions and the homogeneous elements of the subdomain and their interfaces are given their known or assumed constitutive behavior. A finite element analysis is then performed on the whole body by making use of different constitutive equations within the subdomain and in the surrounding matrix. The general methodology of this approach is reported and applied to a metallic rate-dependent elastoplastic polycrystal and to microheterogeneous subdomains consisting of given multicrystalline patterns whose grains obey crystalline elastoplastic constitutive equations of Schmid type at finite strain. Application to the intergranular creep damage of a stainless steel shows a good agreement between the largest computed normal stresses on the grain boundaries and the observed debonded boundaries of the actual material.