The application of smooth particle hydrodynamics to the modelling of solid materials

This thesis explores the mesh-free computer modelling technique of Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), and explores its usage in solid mechanics applications. A review of the context in which SPH can be used, the theory behind the governing equations and the adaptations carried out to enable elastic body problems to be simulated is presented. An algorithm is proposed to improve the ability for SPH to model contact between deformable surfaces. Non-linear behaviour is simulated via the introduction of plasticity, a statistical damage model and the introduction of friction between surfaces. It is shown how SPH can successfully model the buckling in slender rods and match predictions even under extreme deformations. The culmination of these techniques is used to simulate the mechanical properties of thermal barrier coatings (TBC). The simulated effect of increasing the size of gaps in the columnar structure of TBC is shown to reduce hardness. Higher coefficients of inter-column friction are suggested to be able to enhance the load bearing properties of the TBC system. The future research and improvements to the SPH technique are explored along with a discussion about the appropriate methodology of adapting SPH to meet a range of modelling requirements.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo