High Temperature Fracture Mechanics

The objective of this project is to develop a capability to model fracture of materials used in hypersonic vehicles that results from hypervelocity impact while exposed to extreme temperatures. Symplectic Engineering’s approach addresses this challenge at two levels: numerical method and constitutive models. Both constitutive and numerical models are constructed to facilitate: coupled thermal-mechanical response; large deformations; large strains; large strain rates; and large variations from the reference temperature. The numerical methods are designed to enable sharp shock fronts that result from the hypervelocity impacts. Constitutive models are provided for materials relevant to hypersonic vehicles. The material models are constructed to account for relevant behavior that may be expected when they are exposed to high temperatures, high rates, and large deformations. For example, the model for polycrystalline materials accounts for the growth of voids that are important for spall fracture representation. Failure criteria are introduced to determine crack initiation and propagation, and damage laws are introduced to account for material deterioration prior to impact (e.g., due to ablation). Laboratory experiments will be conducted to obtain material properties. Additional experiments will be undertaken to facilitate the model validation demonstrations. The material properties, obtained from the first set of experiments, will be used in simulations demonstrating the performance of the proposed model. Approved for Public Release |21-MDA-10789 (21 Apr 21)