Modeling of ice-matrix composite fracture

Abstract

This article discusses the results of a study that used the structural approach to conduct multiscale modeling of composite materials. These materials are composed of an ice matrix that has been enhanced with high-strength basalt fibers. The research involved numerical modeling to analyze the fracture process of composite materials made by freezing fresh water with added basalt fibers. The analysis included experimental data from samples of pure ice and composites with different amounts of filler. The effective modulus of elasticity of the composites was determined by considering the quantity of basalt fiber reinforcement. The discrepancy between the strength obtained by finite element complex ANSYS numerical calculation and the experimental data was revealed by a series of macroscopic test calculations of the composite material sample, according to which the effective modulus of elasticity of the composite was recalculated and corrections were introduced into the Voight and Reuss models, taking into account the non-uniform distribution of the fibers and the non-ideal adhesion between the fibers and water ice. A stochastic model of crack growth at the micro level was also used with the data on the diameter and length of basalt fibers and their random distribution in the layers of the composite material. Using the newly acquired effective elastic moduli and the SmartCrackGrowth algorithm, a satisfactory agreement of the crack growth rate with the obtained by stochastic calculation was achieved. The refined method of effective elastic moduli and multilevel model of stress-strain state calculation of composite materials are recommended for assessing the strength of ice cover and designing winter roads with high load-bearing capacity and long operational duration in the Arctic and Subarctic environments.