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arXiv · 2608.10734

Multi-scale modeling of high strain rate deformation and spall fracture in poly-crystalline metals

S Madhavan
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Abstract

This thesis utilizes a multiscale method by connecting molecular dynamics (MD) based information to hydrodynamic macroscopic calculations for investigating the shock response and spallation of metals. First, shock propagation in Cu, Al, and Ni single crystals is simulated up to $100$ GPa at strain rates $>10^6$ s$^{-1}$. Shock-Hugoniot ($U_s$-$U_p$) relations agree strongly with experiments (error $<6\%$); the Foiles EAM potential shows the least deviation for Ni. Second, a multiscale framework linking MD atomic void kinetics to hydrodynamic macro-calculations is established. Using particle swarm optimization (PSO), Nucleation and Growth (NAG) parameters are extracted for Cu, Nb, Mo, and Al, yielding free surface velocity (FSV) profiles matching experiments within $8\%$ for Al. Third, deformation across ten Al tilt (STGB) and twist (STwGB) bicrystals at rates of $10^{10}$-$10^{11}$ s$^{-1}$ proves that threshold spallation depends on boundary misorientation. Phase transitions near GBs lower spall strength at high $U_p$, whereas GB plasticity prolongs pull-back and delays spallation (e.g., $14.2^\circ$ STwGB). FSV methods are found to underestimate true peak tensile strength. Fourth, the framework is extended to polycrystals via 11 STGB and 12 STwGB configurations. Voids consistently nucleate at weakened GBs. Unique NAG parameters are fitted using PSO for all 23 bicrystals. An Average Void Growth in a Fluid Element (AVGFE) model is introduced to map these distinct boundary properties into 1D hydrodynamic codes. The combined model is validated against empirical Al flyer impacts at $518$, $1588$, and $2275$ m/s. The simulated temporal FSV curves mirror experiments, with spall strength deviations tightly bounded within $2.15\%$, $2.9\%$, and $6.0\%$, respectively, and spall thickness deviations within $2.4$-$4.0\%$.

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S Madhavan. 2026-08-11. Multi-scale modeling of high strain rate deformation and spall fracture in poly-crystalline metals. https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.10734

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