Summary of research topics: residual stresses, fracture and structural integrity and scaling.

Paulo OrrockPhD Student in Solid

Mechanics Research Group

Research abstractFor nuclear welded components the complex nature of the stresses involved means it is often advantageous to produce mock-ups in order that the structural integrity and performance may be assessed. The weight and size of these components can make the production of mock-ups prohibitively expensive and impractical, and so this project has considered the use of scaled models. This investigation focuses on the scaling laws encountered affecting the applied loads, residual stresses and crack driving forces. A combination of numerical analyses, finite element simulations and lab based experiments have been employed, focusing on fundamental structural integrity tests.

The effects of scaling on structural integrity assessments

3

3rd October 2016

Different sized four point bend specimens have been used to investigate predicting large failure loads from smaller specimens.

Above: A small un-cracked four point bend specimen.

Above: Modeling of cracked four point bend.Left: A larger cracked four point bend specimen.

The effects of scaling on structural integrity assessments

4

3rd October 2016

Right: Residual stresses in different sized bend specimens after loading to same stress intensity factor.

Left: Showing change in fracture toughness associated with scaling