Macro- and micro-modeling of crack propagation in encapsulation-based self-healing materials: Application of XFEM and cohesive surface techniques

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): F.A. Gilabert, D. Garoz, W. Van Paepegem
Encapsulation-based materials are produced introducing some small healing fluid-filled capsules in a matrix. These materials can self-heal when internal cracks intercept and break the capsules. If the healing agent is released, the crack can be sealed. However, this is not always the case. These capsules need to be designed with the adequate shape and material to be properly broken. This paper presents two application models based on the combination of eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) elements and Cohesive Surfaces technique (CS) to predict crack propagation. Two types of encapsulated systems are considered: a concrete beam in a three-point bending test, and a micro-scale model of a representative volume element of a polymer subjected to a uniaxial tensile test. Despite both systems relying on different capsule shapes and different constituent materials, the models predict a similar non-linear response of the overall material strength governed by the coupled effect of the interface strength and the capsule radii-to-thickness ratio. Furthermore, even if an inadequate material and geometry combination is used, it is found that the mere presence of capsules might achieve, under certain conditions, an interesting overall reinforcement effect. This effect is discussed in terms of clustering and volume fraction of capsules.

Graphical abstract

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