In investigations of the behaviour of granular materials, the conversion of discrete contact information, specifically the force and displacement data, into macroscopic quantities such as stress and strain is a fundamental approach. The expression for the average stress tensor, a well-established formulation, involves the summation over all interparticle contacts while considering both the contact

This work addresses ductile failure in engineering structures, particularly in aerospace, naval, automotive, and nuclear industries. During accidental overloading or metal forming, materials such as titanium and aluminum alloys experience plastic deformation and ductile damage (by void nucleation, growth, and coalescence) that may eventually lead to crack propagation and fracture. The present study

As a typical additive manufacturing process, fused filament fabrication (FFF) commonly utilizes a cooling fan to speed up cooling and solidification of thermoplastic melts, thereby preventing the melts from flowing and improving the manufacturing quality. However, the temperature gradient created by the cooling fan often induces nonuniform crystallization, and further affects the mechanical properties

In this study, we use micromechanics-based modeling to investigate the effect of a non-uniform void size distribution on the plastic flow and fracture behavior of porous ductile solids. We perform 2D plane strain finite element simulations of statistical volume elements containing between 3 × 3 and 22 × 22 uniformly-spaced voids of varying sizes, using two different modeling approaches: (i) resolving

Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) such as silicon carbide (SiC) typically oxidize in extreme environments, which can result in swelling deformations and internal stresses that cause fracture. In this paper, we present two approaches to computationally model this class of technical ceramic failures, and we apply them to SiC. First, a thermodynamically-consistent continuum theory of thermo-chemo-mechanics

Cracks in soft materials exhibit diverse dynamic patterns, involving straight, oscillation, branching, and supershear fracture. Here, we successfully reproduce these crack morphologies in a two-dimensional pre-strained fracture scenario and establish crack stability phase diagrams for three distinct nonlinear materials using a fracture phase field model. The contrasting phase diagrams highlight the

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) represent a significant leap forward compared to conventional liquid-electrolyte based batteries, offering enhanced energy density, improved safety, extended cycle longevity, and reduced environmental footprint. However, the persistent challenge of uncontrollable dendrite growth within solid electrolytes (SEs) has posed substantial obstacles to the realization of Li

While cylindrical shells having corrugated or honeycomb sandwich walls exhibit attractive properties such as high stiffness/strength at low density and enhanced energy absorption, existing studies focused primarily on axial loading conditions. In reality, however, such sandwich cylindrical shells frequently face the threat of lateral impacts like in the case of high-speed railways and tube/pipeline

This study proposes a thermal-mechanical coupling-inspired inelastic constitutive law for the growth and atrophy (for the increase and decrease of volume and mass) of biological soft tissues. The thermal-mechanical coupling-inspired formulation realizes the multiphysics modeling between the mechanical field and a scalar field, say the nutrition field, that represents the transportations of the nutrition

Multilayer laminated films, consisting of alternating stiff and soft layers, are widely used in flexible electronics and photonics. The extreme modulus mismatch between these layers can induce shear-lag effects, leading to mechanical behavior distinct from conventional Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. Compared to three-point bending, wrinkling on a soft substrate is an easier-to-implement approach for

Pore defects can exist in additively manufactured (AM) components, even with optimized process parameters and post processing techniques. Lack of fusion (LOF) defects can be detrimental to fatigue, and understanding their influence on near threshold behavior is necessary for the damage tolerant design of aerospace components. This work presents a modeling framework to predict an indicator for the near

We analyze a model of the evolution of a (solid) magnetoelastic material. More specifically, the model we consider describes the evolution of a compressible magnetoelastic material with a non-convex energy and coupled to a gradient flow equation for the magnetization in the quasi-static setting. The viscous dissipation considered in this model induces an extended material derivative in the magnetic

The effect of strain-hardening on ductile crack growth is explored based on a small scale yielding finite element approach using an advanced nonlocal Gurson model. A focus is put on considering high strain hardening exponent n up to 0.5, while classical literature is often limited to n=0.2, in order to encompass materials like stainless steels as well as several modern TRIP-TWIP alloys and high entropy

Soft magnetorheological elastomers (s-MREs) are a kind of smart composites composed of a mechanically soft viscoelastic matrix filled with soft magnetic particles. This work provides a standard two-potential framework for the constitutive model of s-MREs incorporating viscous dissipative mechanism, which rigorously adheres to the physical constrains imposed by even magneto-mechanical coupling, material

Accurately modeling fracture of ductile materials poses open challenges in the field of computational mechanics due to the multiphysics nature of their failure processes. Integrating the interplay between thermodynamics and damage into ductile fracture models is vital for predicting critical failure modes. In this paper, we develop a versatile phase-field (PF) framework for modeling ductile fracture

We study theoretically the peeling behavior of adhesives. Adopting a fracture mechanics approach, we derive the equation of motion of the adhesion front propagating at the interface between the adhesive and the substrate from which the peel strength is inferred. The originality of our approach lies in the description of the interplay during peeling between the stretching and the bending modes of deformation

Hydrogels are particularly versatile materials that are widely found in both Nature and industry. One key reason for this versatility is their high water content, which lets them dramatically change their volume and many of their mechanical properties – often by orders of magnitude – as they swell and dry out. Currently, we lack techniques that can precisely characterize how these properties change

A pull-off force Fc is required to separate two objects in adhesive contact. For a rigid sphere on an elastic slab, the classic Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) theory predicts Fc=32πγRs, where γ represents the interface adhesion or toughness and Rs is the radius of the sphere. Here, we investigate an alternative, extreme scenario: the pull-off force required to detach a rigid, frictionless sphere from

This paper investigates the impact of thermal effects on fracture propagation, a subject that poses significant theoretical and experimental challenges across multiple scales. While previous experimental and numerical studies have explored the relationship between temperature fluctuations and mechanical behavior, a comprehensive theoretical framework in fracture mechanics that rigorously incorporates

A homogenization framework for materials incorporating evolving cracks is proposed, with machine learning to discover the evolution laws of the internal variables describing the homogenized anisotropic damage. The damage model is constructed using data-driven harmonic analysis of damage (DDHAD). First, simulations on Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) with local crack initiation and propagation

This work presents a shear elastoplasticity model for textile fabrics within the theoretical framework of anisotropic Kirchhoff–Love shells with bending of embedded fibers proposed by Duong et al. (2023). The plasticity model aims at capturing the rotational inter-ply frictional sliding between fiber families in textile composites undergoing large deformation. Such effects are usually dominant in dry

A new micromechanics-inspired thermodynamic constitutive model is developed for fluid-saturated granular materials. The model development begins with the conceptual assumption that a granular material, when subjected to an external load, is supported by networks of microscopic force chains, including strong and weak force networks. The model also considers the heterogeneous nature of the fabrics in

We combine the rate formulation for the objective, corotational Zaremba–Jaumann rate DZJDt[σ]=HZJ(σ).D,D=symDξv, operating on the Cauchy stress σ, the Eulerian rate of deformation D and the spatial velocity v with the novel “corotational stability postulate” (CSP)〈DZJDt[σ],D〉>0∀D∈Sym(3)∖{0}to show that for a given isotropic Cauchy-elastic constitutive law B↦σ(B) in terms of the left Cauchy–Green tensor

We propose a method to accurately and efficiently identify the constitutive behavior of complex materials through full-field observations. We formulate the problem of inferring constitutive relations from experiments as an indirect inverse problem that is constrained by the balance laws. Specifically, we seek to find a constitutive relation that minimizes the difference between the experimental observation

Morphogenesis, the process of growth and shape formation in biological tissues, is driven by complex interactions between mechanical, biochemical, and genetic factors. Traditional models of biological growth often rely on the concept of homeostatic Eshelby stress, which defines an ideal target state for the growing body. Any local deviation from this state triggers growth and remodelling, aimed at

Graph-based representations for samples of computational mechanics-related datasets can prove instrumental when dealing with problems like irregular domains or molecular structures of materials, etc. To effectively analyze and process such datasets, deep learning offers Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) that utilize techniques like message-passing within their architecture. The issue, however, is that as

Elastic Rod Networks (ERNs) formed from interconnected slender, elastic rods can undergo large nonlinear displacements, resulting in phenomena like multi-stability and increased geometric stiffness. By varying the networks’ physical properties and boundary conditions, ERNs can be tailored for applications in mechanical metamaterials, aerospace engineering and soft robotics. Bigon arms are a type of

The aluminum matrix composite is known for its lightweight and high strength, while its application is limited in various fields due to its low fracture strain. Configuring reinforcements in metal matrix composites (MMCs) is effective in improving the strength-ductility synergy of metallic materials; however, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be elucidated, and an optimizing strategy is to be explored

Through the long history of evolution, the skins of animals have developed different geometric patterns that confer multiple functions adapted to various environments. To achieve flexibility, which is critical for their predation and survival, the skins must undergo large deformations, with relatively lower energy dissipation and stress levels. To this end, rich surface patterns can be observed on

This study explores the instabilities during the axisymmetric inflation of an initially spherical magnetoelastic balloon, modeled as a magnetizable Ogden material, under combined internal pressure and a non-uniform magnetic field generated by current-carrying coils. The nonlinear interplay of geometric and material effects leads to governing equations sensitive to bifurcations and instabilities. A

Adhesive contact phenomena in multi-ferroic composites are crucial for the development of advanced technologies in fields such as aerospace, robotics, and bioengineering, where the integration of mechanical and electro-magnetic properties plays a pivotal role. Understanding how various loading conditions, particularly shear load, affect adhesive behavior is essential for designing systems that require

Due to its particulate nature, the mechanical properties of bulk clay are determined by interparticle forces and fabrics of particle assemblies. A thorough study of the connection between properties across length scales is crucial to a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms behind the complex mechanical behavior of clays and clayey soils. This paper demonstrates the development of a multiscale

Two classes of non-linear elastic materials are derived via two-dimensional homogenization. These materials are equivalent to a periodic grid of axially-deformable and axially-preloaded structural elements, subject to incremental deformations that involve bending, shear, and normal forces. The unit cell of one class is characterized by elements where deformations are lumped within a finite-degrees-of-freedom

The roton-like dispersion has recently been realized in elastic metamaterials through the introduction of the nonlocal effect, which is facilitated by beyond-nearest-neighbor interactions. Here, we propose an innovative but simple reconfigurable structure composed of a rectangular beam integrated with an array of oblique quadrangular prisms. This design leverages structural symmetry to control wave

The fracture toughness Kc of freestanding tungsten films is explored using a MEMS-based crack-on-chip method and multiscale finite element modelling, in the context of miniaturised testing of structural materials for nuclear fusion applications. The primary ambition is to determine to what extent testing thin nanostructured tungsten films can provide relevant data with respect to bulk tungsten fracture

A geometrically nonlinear theory for field dislocation thermomechanics based entirely on measurable state variables is proposed. Instead of starting from an ordering-dependent multiplicative decomposition of the total deformation gradient tensor, the additive decomposition of the velocity gradient into elastic, plastic and thermal distortion rates is obtained as a natural consequence of the conservation

A geometrically characteristic kinetic thermodynamic deformation theory is proposed for effective predictions over the full-life mechanical behaviour of crystalline solid. From a theoretic perspective, the proposed theory is distinguished from existing internal state variable theories at least in two aspects. Firstly, it is “geometrically characteristic” because the quantities employed for summarising

In geological systems where fractures are driven by low-viscosity reactive fluids (e.g., CO₂ fracturing), the leak-off of the reactive fluid from fractures into the rock matrix induces Rayleigh-Taylor instability, leading to the formation of fingering invasion regions that undergo chemical damage, thereby destabilizing fracture propagation. The fracture propagation is strongly coupled with the heterogeneous

Constructing constitutive models for compressible soft materials is essential for accurately describing their highly nonlinear, large deformation mechanical behavior and volumetric deformation. However, most existing constitutive models rely on predefined assumptions about the form of the strain energy function. Constructing compressible hyperelastic constitutive models is particularly challenging

Understanding the fracture properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials is essential for enhancing their mechanical performance and extending the service life of 2D-based devices. A major challenge lies in examining stress singularities near crack tips at the nanoscale. In this study, we show that we can obtain fracture toughness of monolayer graphene by investigating the propagation of heterocrack

Of the non-classical nonlinear elastic phenomena, slow dynamics (SD) has received particular attention due to recent modeling efforts and experiments in new systems. SD is characterized by a loss of stiffness after a minor conditioning strain, followed by a slow recovery back towards the original stiffness. It is observed in many imperfectly consolidated granular materials (e.g., rocks and concrete)

Elastic metamaterials possess flexible regulatory capabilities of elastodynamic field information and energy through engineering and tailoring wave amplitudes, phase, and polarization vectors. However, due to the lack of general wave quantities and dynamic mode characterization methods, it is difficult to describe and design customized elastic dispersions with prescribed eigenmodes of interest, especially

Multiphase thin films exhibit unique physical functionalities stemming from their dimensions and interactions among phases. In these materials, elasticity plays an important role both in their growth and physical performance. An outstanding problem in this regard is the elastic formulation of representative volume element (RVE) of thin film systems. As thin films RVEs lack translation invariance in

Bio-inspired composite materials with staggered microstructures exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to traditional composites, paving the way for the development of advanced functional materials. The existing analytical models mainly address the macroscale constitutive response along the staggering direction using plane strain or plane stress assumptions. Consequently, a significant gap

Myocardial infarction (MI), characterized by the death of myocytes in the myocardium, leads to high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. The persistent imbalance of biomechanical stress and strain within the myocardium is a critical factor contributing to adverse growth and remodelling (G&R) following MI, such as wall thinning and chamber dilation. This study investigates the structural and functional

Anti-icing surfaces are vital for transportation and infrastructure. Low adhesion strength enables energy-efficient wind-driven or vibration-based ice-removal techniques beyond heating. A key challenge is to reduce the tangential adhesion strength of ice below 10 kPa, a goal hindered in practice by the high toughness of the ice-substrate interface. Even superhydrophobic materials with low surface energy

The growing demand for biodegradable elastomers necessitates innovative designs achieving controllable degradation rates while maintaining stable mechanical performance. This work presents a novel polyurethane elastomer (PUE) with dual degradation pathways, including selective degradation of soft and hard domain. This design offers enhanced control over mechanical performance, realizing only 15 % reduction

Biological tissues with core–shell structures usually exhibit non-uniform curvatures such as toroidal geometry presenting interesting features containing positive, zero, and negative Gaussian curvatures within one system, which give rise to intriguing instability patterns distinct from those observed on uniformly curved surfaces. Such varying curvatures would dramatically affect the growing morphogenesis

Based on Hamilton’s principle of stationary action, we present a holistic variational formulation for material modeling including dissipative evolution. To this end, we recall the definition of the action as path integral of the momentum vector. Reformulation of the action and inserting the 1st and 2nd Law of Thermodynamics yield an extended Hamilton functional. We show that the stationarity conditions

Three general modes are distinguished in the deformation of a thin shell; these are stretching, drilling, and bending. Of these, the drilling mode is the one more likely to emerge in a soft matter shell (as compared to a hard, structural one), as it is ignited by a swerve of material fibers about the local normal. We propose a hyperelastic theory for soft shells, based on a separation criterion that

During neurodevelopment, neuronal axons navigate through the extracellular environment, guided by various cues to establish connections with distant target cells. Among other factors, axon trajectories are influenced by heterogeneities in environmental stiffness, a process known as durotaxis, the guidance by substrate stiffness gradients. Here, we develop a three-scale model for axonal durotaxis. At

Entangled matter displays unusual and attractive properties and mechanisms: tensile strength, capabilities for assembly and disassembly, damage tolerance. While some of the attributes and mechanisms share some traits with traditional granular materials, fewer studies have focused on entanglement and strength and there are large gaps in our understanding of the mechanics of these materials. In this

Since its introduction more than 60 years ago, the Hashin-Shtrikman upper bound has stood as the theoretical limit for the stiffness of isotropic composites and porous solids, acting as an important reference against which the moduli of heterogeneous structural materials are assessed. Here, we show through first-principles calculations, supported by finite element simulations, that the Hashin-Shtrikman

Elastomers filled with liquid inclusions — as opposed to conventional solid fillers — are a recent trend in the soft matter community because of their unique range of mechanical and physical properties. Such properties stem, in part, from the very large deformations that the underlying liquid inclusions are capable of undergoing. With the objective of advancing the understanding of the mechanics of

Aluminum (Al) alloys are widely used in aerospace and automotive industries as a result of their high strength-to-density ratio and cost-effectiveness, with their use at room temperature in housings and brackets. Although additive manufacturing (AM) facilitates the manufacturing of high-temperature aluminum alloys (200-400°C) to enable their potential use in intake fans and engine pistons, few alloying

The fracture of polymeric gels has been of growing interest in the last two decades. Well established continuum theories that couple large deformations and fluid diffusion have been applied to gels to determine crack tip fields and the energy release rate. Some studies have combined experiment and calculations to determine the fracture toughness of gels and have shown that fluid effects make a substantial

Odd elastic behavior is investigated in 2d structures with only the odd elastic parameter K0 under classic continuum theory. For the Kirchhoff–Love plate with a constant K0, the displacement formulation is independent of the odd parameter, whereas the moment formulation shows dependence. A simply-supported plate under a uniformly distributed load and center point load is investigated using the displacement

Current constitutive theories and fracture models face difficulties in capturing the extremely large deformation and fracture behaviors of hydrogels, because the structural and mechanical properties of the effective polymer network dominated in hydrogels are still unknown. In this study, we propose a periodic random network (PRN) method to construct the effective polymer network model of polyacrylamide