Modeling multiscale evolution of numerous voids in shocked brittle material

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Computational Mechanics
• Physics

Background:

• Understanding the multiscale influence of void evolution on material properties is computationally challenging.
• Shock-wave compression in brittle materials involves complex microscopic and macroscopic phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a computational model for simulating shock-wave compression in brittle materials.
• To investigate the mechanisms of shock plasticity and deformation driven by void evolution.
• To establish relationships between material porosity, shock parameters, and macroscopic properties.

Main Methods:

• Developed a discrete element method (lattice model) for shock-wave compression simulation.
• Employed a model interaction-parameter-mapping procedure for validation against experimental data.
• Analyzed shock-wave splitting, void collapse, media slippage, and vortex patterns.

Main Results:

• The model accurately reproduced experimental shock-wave profiles, showing wave splitting into elastic and deformation components.
• Void collapse in the deformation wave causes volume shrinkage and deformation.
• Media slippage and rotation, visualized as vortex patterns, significantly contribute to shock plasticity, increasing with pressure.

Conclusions:

• Shock plasticity in porous brittle materials is driven by both void collapse and media slippage/rotation.
• Material porosity dictates elastic wave amplitude; porosity and shock stress jointly control deformation wave propagation and final equilibrium states.
• The study provides a framework for designing porous brittle materials with tailored shock behaviors for specific applications.