SIMCOFAT · Multphysics SIMulations of COrrosion-FATigue
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-09-01 → 2023-08-31
- EU contribution
- €212,934
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Multphysics SIMulations of COrrosion-FATigue
The project SIMCOFAT addresses a fundamental challenge in materials engineering, namely the reliable prediction of corrosion-fatigue cracking in critical structures and components. Corrosion-fatigue is a complex phenomenon that occurs when materials, often used in demanding environments such as offshore wind turbines and aerospace components, are subjected to cyclic loading in the presence of corrosive agents. The combined action of mechanical stress and environmental degradation can lead to crack initiation and propagation, and ultimately the failure of the integrity and safety of structures. In this context, the overall objective of the project is to develop a comprehensive numerical framework that can predict corrosion-fatigue damage and crack propagation, incorporating microstructural information and environmental factors. This framework is expected to offer a paradigm shift in the field of corrosion science, promising more accurate, informed, and cost-effective strategies for the management and maintenance of critical infrastructure. The specific objectives of the project can be summarized as follows (1) To develop advanced multiscale modelling tools capable of capturing the microstructural factors that affect corrosion-fatigue behaviour. By integrating microstructural information, such as grain boundaries and material properties, into the modelling process, this project aims to provide a more accurate representation of real-world corrosion-fatigue phenomena. (2) To create a numerical framework that seamlessly integrates fatigue and corrosion models. By linking these two phenomena, we aim to provide a more complete understanding of how corrosion processes interact with mechanical fatigue, ultimately leading to crack initiation and propagation. In summary, this project is driven by a profound need for advanced tools to predict and mitigate the effects of corrosion-fatigue on critical structures. It combines state-of-the-art modelling techniques, real-world validation, and broad impact to provide a holistic solution to the challenge of corrosion fatigue.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Nearly all engineering structures are exposed to harmful environments and alternating mechanical loads during their service life. The combination of these two factors, corrosion and fatigue, accelerates damage and frequently leads to catastrophic failures much before the expected lifespan of the component. Understanding and predicting corrosion fatigue is considered the ultimate challenge in mechanics of materials, due to its complex multi-disciplinary and multi-scale nature. This proposal aims at achieving a breakthrough by developing new ultra-efficient computational tools that will enable resolving the microstructural character of the problem. Advanced multi-physics and damage (phase field) models will be combined with a new class of algorithms, so-called Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT), that can reduce the computational cost of resolving the microstructural behaviour of materials by several orders of magnitude. The predictions from this new generation of physically-based models will be compared with the outcome of a complementary experimental campaign and ultimately used to predict corrosion fatigue in an industrial context. The feasibility of this Action is strengthened by the applicant's pioneering work in fatigue FFT modelling and the complementary expertise of the host group in environmentally assisted damage, phase field modelling and experimental characterisation.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE · LondonCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union