Numerical Modeling of the Porosity Influence on Strength of Structural Materials

Abstract

The effect of micro-scale structural low-level porosity on strength of structural materials was studied using the three-dimensional Unit Cell Numerical Model - UCNM. A comparison between proposed UCNM and available experimental data in literature was done by comparing obtained values for stress concentration factor - SCF for different sizes and shapes of pore. Results for normalized strength obtained by proposed UCNM model are in agreement with available experimental data published in literature. It was confirmed that material porosity in form of closed pores, regarding pores' size (volume fraction) and shape, has note cable influence on strength of structural material. Less porosity in the material microstructure generally leads to higher values of material strength. For fixed porosity volume fraction, shape of pores has an impact on strength of structural material.