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Automatic generation of statistical volume elements using multibody dynamics and an erosion-based homogenization method

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Abstract

Modeling particle based heterogeneous materials using statistical volume elements (SVE) for predicting its mechanical behavior can be tedious when the particles are densely packed or elongated. Positioning particles without creating overlaps and avoiding meshing problems are two obstacles frequently mentioned. To counter these obstacles, a new modeling methodology based on multibody dynamics (MBD) and on an erosion-based homogenization method is proposed. The CAD model of a SVE is first generated and particles causing meshing problems are excluded. Meshing and finite element analysis are automatically carried out and a subsequent erosion-based homogenization method is used to retrieve the macroscopic behavior of the SVE. To illustrate the potential of this new method, results obtained with a random sequential adsorption algorithm on non-eroded SVEs are compared with results obtained from the same SVEs submitted to our erosion method. These results are then compared with results obtained using the new MBD based approach.

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Funding

This study was carried out as part of a project supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Fondation de l’UQTR and the Ministère de l’Éducation et de la Recherche Français.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IRDL, Université de Bretagne-Sud, Lorient, France

    A. Couture & Ph. Pilvin

  2. ERICCA, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada

    A. Couture, V. François & Jean-Christophe Cuillière

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  1. A. Couture
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  2. V. François
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  3. Jean-Christophe Cuillière
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  4. Ph. Pilvin
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Correspondence to Jean-Christophe Cuillière.

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Couture, A., François, V., Cuillière, JC. et al. Automatic generation of statistical volume elements using multibody dynamics and an erosion-based homogenization method. Comput Mech 69, 1041–1066 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00466-021-02130-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00466-021-02130-1

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