Central goal of the proposed project is the development of a consistent computational framework for the simulation of materials with heterogeneities on the micro-scale with coupled micro- and macro-fracture processes. To be specific, assuming a reasonable scale separation of the micro- and macro-structure, we require first, that the formulation is energetically consistent, second, complies with asymptotic homogenization procedures, third, that the computational framework is fast, efficient and numerically stable and fourth, that the proposed approach is applicable to a wide range of constitutive features including non-linear, inelastic material properties. The proposed phase-field formulation will preserve the structure of the regularization function on both scales and control the micro- and macro-scale dissipation.
Eventually, this project will provide a series of open-source computational tools, which will help to reduce the high demand of (expensive) experimental investigations on this class of materials with limited, if even possible as in the case of an ingrown implant (at least difficult in an ethical manner).
Additive manufactured implants (Hygro-ALIFsa manufactured by privelop-spine AG). Left: Anterior view. Right: Lateral view.
Group: Prof. Dr. Christian Hesch
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