End colloquium Anna van den Berg

Stress State Dependent Fracture Modeling for Ductile Materials Using Finite Element Analysis

Aluminum alloys are increasingly used in lightweight structural applications thanks to their low weight, high strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent corrosion resistance. However, welded aluminum connections introduce design challenges, particularly due to reduced strength in the heat-affected zones.

This study develops a finite element-based fracture modeling approach that captures the behavior of aluminum connections, including heat-affected zones, up to failure. The resulting methodology is designed for future use in optimization studies for Bayards, a company specializing in aluminum (welded) helideck construction.