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We present a simple and robust implementation of the phase field fracture method in Abaqus. Unlike previous works, only a user material (UMAT) subroutine is used. This is achieved by exploiting the analogy between the phase field balance equation and heat transfer, which avoids the need for a user element mesh and enables taking advantage of Abaqus’ in-built features. A unified theoretical framework and its implementation are presented, suitable for any arbitrary choice of crack density function and fracture driving force. Specifically, the framework is exemplified with the so-called AT1, AT2 and phase field-cohesive zone models (PF-CZM). Both staggered and monolithic solution schemes are handled. We demonstrate the potential and robustness of this new implementation by addressing several paradigmatic 2D and 3D boundary value problems. The numerical examples show how the current implementation can be used to reproduce numerical and experimental results from the literature, and efficiently capture advanced features such as complex crack trajectories, crack nucleation from arbitrary sites and contact problems. The code developed is made freely available.

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a modern technology for joining various metals, which has already undergone many laboratory tests, but still requires the development of numerical models. Author of the paper decided to summarize the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the modelling of the FSW process using the finite element method (FEM) and showed the main directions of development of numerical research on this process. Very advanced models are a combination of solid mechanics and fluid dynamics, but they often require expanding the computing environment with its own subroutines, as well as calibration and validation of some material parameter and constants occurring e.g. in the heat generation and heat flow laws. The Author of the paper proposed his own, simplified model, based on the computational solid mechanics and Lagrangian formulation. The model turned out to be an effective tool to reproduce stress and temperature fields during the FSW process.

The paper presents the development of an axisymmetric numerical model for simulating the crimping process of pneumatic suspension components and the implementation of a Python script integrated into the Abaqus/CAE environment. Automation through the Abaqus Scripting Interface (ASI) significantly reduces preprocessing time and eliminates repetitive manual operations. The axisymmetric model describes the deformable behavior of metallic and elastomeric components, using CAX4R and CAX4H elements to ensure numerical stability and result accuracy. The script automatically generates geometry, material properties, contact definitions, boundary conditions, and analysis steps based on data provided in a parameterized Excel file. The proposed solution ensures consistency between simulations, allows rapid execution of parametric studies, and facilitates integration into industrial design workflows. The results demonstrate the efficiency of Python scripting in automating FEA-based analyses for complex industrial applications.

Corrosion is accountable for numerous malfunctions and leakages in gas pipelines. In instances of external corrosion, due to the internal pressure within the pipes, stress concentrations can occur around the corroded areas. These, in the presence of cavities or cracks resulting from corrosion, may amplify the risk of pipeline failure. Consequently, as the wall thickness diminishes due to corrosion, the pipeline’s ability to withstand internal pressure declines. In the case of corrosion, the pressure at which a corroded pipe might collapse is significantly lower than that of an uncorroded one. Finite element modeling of corroded pipes with a defect is conducted using the Abaqus software, taking into account the mechanical effects of internal pressure on the gas pipeline structure. Abaqus facilitates the simulation of internal pressure and predicts the behavior of the pipe under pressure conditions.

This paper presents the practical application of fracture mechanics in investigating the possibility of crack propagation in a brake calliper bracket mounted in a vehicle bogie. The extended finite element method available in the Abaqus software was used. This method allows the modelling of material damage and its propagation independently of the finite element mesh. Damage can arise in any area of finite elements without changing the mesh. Numerical simulation of crack propagation was performed in order to analyse how crack changes as a result of the location change of damage initiation.

This paper presents the practical application of fracture mechanics in investigating the possibility of crack propagation in a brake calliper bracket mounted in a vehicle bogie. The extended finite element method available in the Abaqus software was used. This method allows the modelling of material damage and its propagation independently of the finite element mesh. Damage can arise in any area of finite elements without changing the mesh. Numerical simulation of crack propagation was performed in order to analyse how crack changes as a result of the location change of damage initiation.

The effect of printing speed on the tensile strength of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) samples fabricated using the fused deposition modelling (FDM) process is addressed in this research. The mechanical performance of FDM-ABS products was evaluated using four different printing speeds (10, 30, 50, and 70 mm/s). A numerical model was developed to simulate the experimental campaign by coupling two computational codes, Abaqus and Digimat. In addition, this article attempts to investigate the impacts of printing parameters on ASTM D638 ABS specimens. A 3D thermomechanical model was implemented to simulate the printing process and evaluate the printed part quality by analysing residual stress, temperature gradient and warpage. Several parts printed in Digimat were analysed and compared numerically. The parametric study allowed us to quantify the effect of 3D printing parameters such as printing speed, printing direction, and the chosen discretisation (layer by layer or filament) on residual stresses, deflection, warpage, and resulting mechanical behaviour.

The need for more effective defence systems is of critical importance because of the rising risk of explosive attacks. Sandwich panels are used as plastically deforming sacrificial structures, absorbing blast wave energy. To the authors’ knowledge, the blast behaviour of sandwich panels with connected (welded/bolted/riveted) corrugated layers has been well covered in literature. Hence, the aim of this numerical study was to develop new, easy-to-build, non-expensive, graded sandwich panel with ‘unconnected’ corrugated layers that can be used as a multipurpose sacrificial protective structure against wide range of blast threats. The proposed sandwich panel is composed of six unconnected aluminium (AL6063-T4) core layers encased in a steel (Weldox 460E) frame with 330 × 330 × 150 mm overall dimensions. The numerical analysis was conducted using Abaqus/Explicit solver. First, the performance of four different nongraded layer topologies (trapezoidal, triangular, sinusoidal, and rectangular) was compared, when subjected to ~16 MPa peak reflected over-pressure (M = 0.5 kg of TNT at R = 0.5 m). Results showed that the trapezoidal topology outperformed other topologies, with uniform progressive collapse, lower reaction force, and higher plastic dissipation energy. Then, the trapezoidal topology was further analysed to design a ‘graded’ sandwich panel that can absorb a wide range of blast intensities (~4, 7, 11, 13, and 16 MPa peak reflected over-pressures) by using a (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 mm) stepwise thickness combination for the layers. In conclusion, the superior performance of the proposed sandwich panel with unconnected graded layers can be considered as a novel alternative to the conventional costly laser-welded sandwich panels. Applications of the new solution range from protecting civil structures to military facilities.

This article investigates the behavior of hybrid FRP Concrete-Steel columns with an elliptical cross section. The investigation was carried out by gathering information through literature and conducting a parametric study, which resulted in 116 data points. Moreover, multiple machine learning predictive models were developed to accurately estimate the confined ultimate strain and the ultimate load of confined concrete at the rupture of FRP tube. Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Adaptive Boosting (ADAB), Categorical Boosting (CATB), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) machine learning techniques were utilized for the proposed models. Finally, these models were visually and quantitatively verified and evaluated. It was concluded that the CATB and XGB are standout models, offering high accuracy and strong generalization capabilities. The CATB model is slightly superior due to its consistently lower error rates during testing, indicating it is the best model for this dataset when considering both accuracy and robustness against overfitting.

The phase-field method is a very effective way to simulate arbitrary crack nucleation, propagation, bifurcation, and the formation of complex crack networks. The diffusion-based method is suitable for multi-field coupling fracture problems. In this paper, a parallel algorithm of the thermo-elastic coupled phase-field model is implemented in commercial finite element code Abaqus/Explicit. The algorithm is applied to simulate the dynamic and quasi-static brittle fracture of thermo-elastic materials. Further, it is adopted on a structured mesh combined with first-order explicit integrators. Several examples of the quasi-static and dynamic cases of single crack, as well as multi-crack initiation and propagation under thermal shock, are given to demonstrate the robustness of the algorithm. The source code and tutorials provide an effective way to simulate crack nucleation and propagation in multi-field coupling problems.