In this project novel numerical methods and a mulit-scale modelling framework are developped tailored for advancing the phase-field fracture model with applications in porous media. In the realm of the numerical methods, the focus lies on devising computationally efficient and robust monolithic solution techniques.
In electric vehicles, batteries are a crucial component, but they come at the cost of additional mass. To reduce this cost, structural batteries are being developed, which can be used as battery and also bear mechanical loads. With such a material, existent parts of the system could be used as battery.
To support the development and application of such a material, simulations can be a useful tool. In this project, a multi-scale model for a typical positive electrode material is being developed.
This research project aims to solve two key research questions
Can we utilize the expressiveness of neural networks inside constitutive models while enforcing fulfillment of physical laws, such as the laws of thermodynamics?
For the calibrated (or trained) models, can we discover interpretable analytical expressions that model the material more accurate than existing models?
To do this, we use data from both physical and numerical experiments. See Meyer and Ekre (2023) JMPS,180 p.105416 (doi: 10.1016/j.jmps.2023.105416) for further details.
In some porous media, such as mortar, reactions take place between the fluid (e.g. water) and the matrix material (e.g. cement). When combined with partially saturated conditions, this leads to highly nonlinear seepage, which may strongly affect the transport of secondary species through the material. In the context of mortar, transport of chloride ions are of particular interest. In this project, we combine XRCT-imaging and numerical modeling to describe these complex phenomena.
Contact compliance and hydraulic conductivity play an important role in hydraulic fracture. Experimental studies on fractured rocks provide valuable data but do not allow for the fracture surfaces to be prescribed, hence the link between fracture topology and mechanical properties remains unclear. By creating 3D printed replica of real and artificial fracture surfaces this relation can be explored with minimal effort. The experimental studies are complemented with finite element simulations to further understand the effect of the roughness statistics.
As part of TRR277, this project aims at providing a modelling and simulation approach across the scales starting from consistent material models for bulk deposited additively manufactured concrete and its interlayers towards a reduced substitute model for fast simulations of complex geometries on the part-scale.