Finite Element Analysis of an Aluminum Alloy Using Progressive Failure Algorithm

Abstract

This study aims to develop a reliable finite element analysis procedure to model the complete fracture of ductile specimens using the progressive degradation of the material stiffness algorithm under tensile load. The ductile specimen in this study is an aluminum alloy. The progressive failure algorithm used here is based on the assumption that the material behaves like a stable progressively fracturing solid. The stiffness reduction is carried out at the reduced integration gauss points of the finite element mesh depending on the mode of failure. A number of material properties are necessary for such simulation to carry out and experimentation of the metal are needed to evaluate these properties. The actual tensile tests data are applied to the finite element simulation. The verified simulation method has a great importance in practical design of structures and metals. A renowned finite element analysis software ABAQUS is used in this study.