Investigation on the impact damage of glass using the combined finite/discrete element method

Chen, Xudong (2013). Investigation on the impact damage of glass using the combined finite/discrete element method. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Glass and laminated glass are widely used for structural members in industry. To investigate how they fracture under impact as well as the subsequent fragmentation, the combined finite-discrete element method (FEM/DEM) was employed in this thesis.

The mode I fracture model was extended for glass by changing the strain softening curve to a bilinear-like exponential decay shape. Analysis based on this model was performed and numerical examples in both 2D and 3D were investigated. Parametric study was carried out and conclusion was reached that the tensile strength, fracture energy and thickness are the top three parameters in improving the performance of monolithic glass under impact.

Two mixed mode I + II fracture models (the elasto-plastic fracture model and the scaling model) were developed for the glass and the interface in laminated glass. The elasto-plastic model reached some similarity with the Mode I model, while some modification is needed for the scaling model. Results on laminated glass from the FEM/DEM were compared and verified with that from FEM, DEM and experiments. Parametric study on the laminated glass was performed, showing better capacity in energy absorption over monolithic glass.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):