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The third Sandia Fracture Challenge highlighted the geometric and material uncertainties introduced by modern additive manufacturing techniques. Tasked with the challenge of predicting failure of a complex additively-manufactured geometry made of 316L stainless steel, we combined a rigorous material calibration scheme with a number of statistical assessments of problem uncertainties. Specifically, we used optimization techniques to calibrate a rate-dependent and anisotropic Hill plasticity model to represent material deformation coupled with a damage model driven by void growth and nucleation. Through targeted simulation studies we assessed the influence of internal voids and surface flaws on the specimens of interest in the challenge which guided our material modeling choices. Employing the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test statistic, we developed a representative suite of simulations to account for the geometric variability of test specimens and the variability introduced by material parameter uncertainty. This approach allowed the team to successfully predict the failure mode of the experimental test population as well as the global response with a high degree of accuracy.

The interaction of waves in nonlinear media is of practical interest in the design of acoustic devices such as waveguides and filters. This investigation of the monoatomic mass–spring chain with a cubic nonlinearity demonstrates that the interaction of two waves results in different amplitude and frequency dependent dispersion branches for each wave, as opposed to a single amplitude-dependent branch when only a single wave is present. A theoretical development utilizing multiple time scales results in a set of evolution equations which are validated by numerical simulation. For the specific case where the wavenumber and frequency ratios are both close to 1:3 as in the long wavelength limit, the evolution equations suggest that small amplitude and frequency modulations may be present. Predictable dispersion behavior for weakly nonlinear materials provides additional latitude in tunable metamaterial design. The general results developed herein may be extended to three or more wave–wave interaction problems.

The present research is concerned with developing analysis methods for analyzing and exploring finite-amplitude elastic wave propagation through periodic media. Periodic arrangements of materials with high acoustic impedance contrasts can be employed to control wave propagation. These systems are often termed phononic crystals or metamaterials, depending on the specific design and purpose. Design of these systems usually relies on computation and analysis of dispersion band structures which contain information about wave propagation speed and direction. The location and influence of complete (and partial) band gaps is a particularly interesting characteristic. Wave propagation is prohibited for frequencies that correspond to band gaps; thus, periodic systems behave as filters, wave guides, and lenses at certain frequencies. Controlling these behaviors has typically been limited to the manufacturing stage or the application of external stimuli to distort material configurations. The inclusion of nonlinear elements in periodic unit cells offers an option for passive tuning of the dispersion band structure through amplitude-dependence. Hence, dispersion analysis methods which may be utilized in the design of nonlinear phononic crystals and metamaterials are required. The approach taken herein utilizes Bloch wave-based perturbation analysis methods for obtaining closed-form expressions for dispersion amplitude-dependence. The influence of material and geometric nonlinearities on the dispersion relationship is investigated. It is shown that dispersion shifts result from both self-action (monochromatic excitation) and wave-interaction (multi-frequency excitation), the latter enabling dynamic anisotropy in periodic media. A particularly novel aspect of this work is the ease with which band structures of discretized systems may be analyzed. This connection enables topology optimization of unit cells with nonlinear elements. Several important periodic systems are considered including monoatomic lattices, multilayer materials, and plane stress matrix-inclusion configurations. The analysis methods are further developed into a procedure which can be implemented numerically with existing finite-element analysis software for analyzing geometrically-complex materials.

The expectation is blistering speed and less frustrating access - but does broadband deliver? Icon tests the options.

The expectation is blistering speed and less frustrating access - but does broadband deliver?