Numerical analysis of the stress state and fracture of porous ceramics at the mesolevel

The paper is devoted to the numerical investigation of inelastic deformation and fracture of porous alumina ceramics. A structural model of the mesovolume is developed with the use of an experimental scanning electron microscopic image. The mechanical behavior of the matrix is described by two constitutive models from plasticity theory and continuum damage mechanics. Uniaxial tension and compression of the mesovolume are numerically simulated in a two-dimensional formulation. The features of fracture patterns in the cases of the two constitutive models adopted are analysed. Effective mechanical characteristics of the studied ceramics are determined from the performed calculations. The results obtained can be used to specify the characteristics of the Drucker–Prager material for macroscopic modeling