Dissertation Defense: Integrated Multi-Scale Modeling Framework for Simulating Failure Response of Heterogeneous Adhesives

Committee Members

• Prof. Soheil Soghrati, Chair (MAE)
• Prof. Rebecca Dupaix (MAE)
• Prof. Jose Castro (ISE)

Abstract

A novel computational framework is introduced to establish a link between the microstructure and mechanical behavior of a heterogeneous adhesive composed of an epoxy matrix and embedded silica particles. A new reconstruction algorithm is employed to synthesize periodic microstructural models of this materials system based on morphological and statistical data extracted from micro-computed tomography images. A non-iterative mesh generation algorithm is then utilized to transform resulting virtual microstructures into high-quality conforming finite element (FE) meshes. The continuum ductile and cohesive damage models used for simulating the adhesive’s failure response are then calibrated with experimental data and the appropriate size of the representative volume element (RVE) is identified. Several high-fidelity FE analyses are then carried out to investigate the impact of pre-existing voids in the adhesive, the surface roughness of adherends, and the interfacial bonding between embedded particles and the matrix on the failure response of the adhesive layer subject to tensile, compressive, and shear loads.