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XFEM for the Homogenization of Constitutive Properties and its Stabilization for the Computation of Interface Tractions

Title:

XFEM for the Homogenization of Constitutive Properties and its Stabilization for the Computation of Interface Tractions

Yacoub, Ahmed ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5523-8486 (2025) XFEM for the Homogenization of Constitutive Properties and its Stabilization for the Computation of Interface Tractions. Masters thesis, Concordia University.

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Abstract

A computational homogenization method for assessing the local stress distributions and effective mechanical characteristics of composite materials is presented in this work. Using the (XFEM) modeling capabilities, the effects of bonding assumptions on interface tractions, local stress fields, and homogenized constitutive properties are examined. The possibility of standard XFEM-based models to generate spurious oscillatory tractions at the bond interfaces is shown, with interface stiffness affecting the oscillations' magnitude. A stabilized XFEM framework is suggested as a solution to this problem in order to lessen the oscillatory behavior at matrix-inclusion interfaces. Comparisons with results from other modeling methodologies that are accessible in the literature provide a thorough validation of the developed stabilizing strategy. The suggested methodology's resilience and adaptability are further illustrated by its application to a number of Representative Volume Element (RVE) cases. The impacts of mesh refinement, interface stiffness, and RVE boundary conditions on the precision and effectiveness of the suggested method are investigated parametrically. The findings show that the stabilized XFEM may produce dependable traction results across bond interfaces and emphasize the significance of interface stiffness in the precise prediction of stress distributions. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the suggested approach offers reliable and effective results for a variety of composite microstructural configurations. By providing a reliable tool for the homogenization and analysis of composites with imperfect interfaces under various mechanical loading situations, this work advances XFEM-based computational approaches.

Divisions:Concordia University > Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science > Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Item Type:Thesis (Masters)
Authors:Yacoub, Ahmed
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:M.A. Sc.
Program:Civil Engineering
Date:10 April 2025
Thesis Supervisor(s):Erkmen, Emre
Keywords:Extended Finite Element Method; Numerical Stabilization; Computational Homogenization; Representative Volume Element; Stress Oscillations
ID Code:995512
Deposited By: Ahmed Yacoub
Deposited On:04 Nov 2025 15:27
Last Modified:04 Nov 2025 15:27

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