Imperial College London

DrEmilioMartinez-Paneda

Faculty of EngineeringDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Visiting Reader
 
 
 
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Contact

 

+44 (0)20 7594 8188e.martinez-paneda Website

 
 
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Location

 

249Skempton BuildingSouth Kensington Campus

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Summary

 

Publications

Publication Type
Year
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114 results found

Cupertino-Malheiros L, Duportal M, Hageman T, Zafra A, Martínez-Pañeda Eet al., 2024, Hydrogen uptake kinetics of cathodic polarized metals in aqueous electrolytes, Corrosion Science, Vol: 231, ISSN: 0010-938X

We use a unique combination of electrochemical techniques to elucidate the dependency of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and absorption on pH and overpotential for iron and nickel. Impedance spectroscopy shows the dominance of the Volmer–Heyrovsky reaction pathway, challenging the common consideration of Volmer–Tafel dominance. Polarization slopes agree with the Volmer or Heyrovsky rate-determining step, with limitations at high overpotential. The evolution of steady-state permeation current density with overpotential is rationalized through newly-developed theory. Surface activity and absorption trends are captured. Combined with modelling, this work provides a path for quantifying hydrogen uptake and establishing an equivalent fugacity for aqueous electrolytes.

Journal article

Lucarini S, Martínez-Pañeda E, 2024, UMAT4COMSOL: An Abaqus user material (UMAT) subroutine wrapper for COMSOL, Advances in Engineering Software, Vol: 190, Pages: 103610-103610, ISSN: 0965-9978

We present a wrapper that allows Abaqus user material subroutines (UMATs) to be used as an External Material library in the software COMSOL Multiphysics. The wrapper, written in C language, transforms COMSOL’s external material subroutine inputs and outputs into Fortran-coded Abaqus UMAT inputs and outputs, by means of a consistent variable transformation. This significantly facilitates conducting coupled, multi-physics studies employing the advanced material models that the solid mechanics community has developed over the past decades. We exemplify the potential of our new framework, UMAT4COMSOL, by conducting numerical experiments in the areas of elastoplasticity, hyperelasticity and crystal plasticity. The source code, detailed documentation and example tutorials are made freely available to download at www.empaneda.com/codes.

Journal article

Baktheer A, Martínez-Pañeda E, Aldakheel F, 2024, Phase field cohesive zone modeling for fatigue crack propagation in quasi-brittle materials, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol: 422, Pages: 116834-116834, ISSN: 0045-7825

The phase field method has gathered significant attention in the past decade due to its versatile applications in engineering contexts, including fatigue crack propagation modeling. Particularly, the phase field cohesive zone method (PF-CZM) has emerged as a promising approach for modeling fracture behavior in quasi-brittle materials, such as concrete. The present contribution expands the applicability of the PF-CZM to include the modeling of fatigue-induced crack propagation. This study critically examines the validity of the extended PF-CZM approach by evaluating its performance across various fatigue behaviors, encompassing hysteretic behavior, S-N curves, fatigue creep curves, and the Paris law. The experimental investigations and validation span a diverse spectrum of loading scenarios, encompassing pre- and post-peak cyclic loading, as well as low- and high-cyclic fatigue loading. The validation process incorporates 2D and 3D boundary value problems, considering mode I and mixed-modes fatigue crack propagation. The results obtained from this study show a wide range of validity, underscoring the remarkable potential of the proposed PF-CZM approach to accurately capture the propagation of fatigue cracks in concrete-like materials. Furthermore, the paper outlines recommendations to improve the predictive capabilities of the model concerning key fatigue characteristics.

Journal article

Korec E, Jirásek M, Wong HS, Martínez-Pañeda Eet al., 2024, Phase-field chemo-mechanical modelling of corrosion-induced cracking in reinforced concrete subjected to non-uniform chloride-induced corrosion, Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, Vol: 129, ISSN: 0167-8442

A model for corrosion-induced cracking of reinforced concrete subjected to non-uniform chloride-induced corrosion is presented. The gradual corrosion initiation of the steel surface is investigated by simulating chloride transport considering binding. The transport of iron from the steel surface, its subsequent precipitation into rust, and the associated precipitation-induced pressure are explicitly modelled. Model results, obtained through finite element simulations, agree very well with experimental data, showing significantly improved accuracy over uniform corrosion modelling. The results obtained from case studies reveal that crack-facilitated transport of chlorides cannot be neglected, that the size of the anodic region must be considered, and that precipitate accumulation in pores can take years.

Journal article

Mandal TK, Parker J, Gagliano M, Martínez-Pañeda Eet al., 2024, Computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, ISSN: 0360-3199

We combine welding process modelling with deformation–diffusion–fracture (embrittlement) simulations to predict failures in hydrogen transport pipelines. The focus is on the structural integrity of seam welds, as these are often the locations most susceptible to damage in gas transport infrastructure. Finite element analyses are conducted to showcase the ability of the model to predict cracking in pipeline steels exposed to hydrogen-containing environments. The validated model is then employed to quantify critical H2 fracture pressures. The coupled, phase field-based simulations conducted provide insight into the role of existing defects, microstructural heterogeneity, and residual stresses. We find that under a combination of deleterious yet realistic conditions, the critical pressure at which fracture takes place can be as low as 15 MPa. These results bring new mechanistic insight into the viability of using the existing natural gas pipeline network to transport hydrogen, and the computational framework presented enables mapping the conditions under which this can be achieved safely.

Journal article

Au-Yeung K, Quintanas-Corominas A, Martinez-Paneda E, Tan Wet al., 2023, Hygroscopic phase field fracture modelling of composite materials, Engineering with Computers: an international journal for simulation-based engineering, Vol: 39, Pages: 3847-3864, ISSN: 0177-0667

This paper investigates the effect of moisture content upon the degradation behaviour of composite materials. A coupled phase field framework considering moisture diffusion, hygroscopic expansion, and fracture behaviour is developed. This multi-physics framework is used to explore the damage evolution of composite materials, spanning the micro-, meso- and macro-scales. The micro-scale unit-cell model shows how the mismatch between the hygroscopic expansion of fibre and matrix leads to interface debonding. From the meso-scale ply-level model, we learn that the distribution of fibres has a minor influence on the material properties, while increasing moisture content facilitates interface debonding. The macro-scale laminate-level model shows that moisture induces a higher degree of damage on the longitudinal ply relative to the transverse ply. This work opens a new avenue to understand and predict environmentally assisted degradation in composite materials.

Journal article

Cui C, Ma R, Martinez-Paneda E, 2023, Electro-chemo-mechanical phase field modeling of localized corrosion: theory and COMSOL implementation, Engineering with Computers: an international journal for simulation-based engineering, Vol: 39, Pages: 3877-3894, ISSN: 0177-0667

A new theoretical phase field-based formulation for predicting electro-chemo-mechanical corrosion in metals is presented. The model combines electrolyte and interface electrochemical behaviour with a phase field description of mechanically-assisted corrosion accounting for film rupture, dissolution and repassivation. The theoretical framework is numerically implemented in the finite element package COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS and the resulting model is made freely available. Several numerical experiments are conducted showing that the corrosion predictions by the model naturally capture the influence of varying electrostatic potential and electrolyte concentrations, as well as predicting the sensitivity to the pit geometry and the strength of the passivation film.

Journal article

Konstantinou C, Martínez-Pañeda E, Biscontin G, Fleck NAet al., 2023, Fracture of bio-cemented sands, Extreme Mechanics Letters, Vol: 64, ISSN: 2352-4316

Bio-chemical reactions enable the production of biomimetic materials such as sandstones. In the present study, microbiologically-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is used to manufacture laboratory-scale specimens for fracture toughness measurement. The mode I and mixed-mode fracture toughnesses are measured as a function of cementation, and are correlated with strength, permeability and porosity. A micromechanical model is developed to predict the dependence of mode I fracture toughness upon the degree of cementation. In addition, the role of the crack tip -stress in dictating kink angle and toughness is determined for mixed mode loading. At a sufficiently low degree of cementation, the zone of microcracking in the vicinity of the crack tip is sufficiently large for a crack tip -field to cease to exist and for crack kinking theory to not apply. The interplay between cementation and fracture properties of sedimentary rocks is explained; this understanding underpins a wide range of rock fracture phenomena including hydraulic fracture.

Journal article

Parks HCW, Boyce AM, Wade A, Heenan TMM, Tan C, Martínez-Pañeda E, Shearing PR, Brett DJL, Jervis Ret al., 2023, Direct observations of electrochemically induced intergranular cracking in polycrystalline NMC811 particles, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol: 11, Pages: 21322-21332, ISSN: 2050-7488

Establishing the nature of crack generation, formation, and propagation is paramount to understanding the degradation modes that govern decline in battery performance. Cracking has several possible origins; however, it can be classified in two general cases: mechanically induced, during manufacturing, or electrochemically induced, during operation. Accurate and repeatable tracking of operational cracking to sequentially image the same material as it undergoes cracking is highly challenging; observing these features requires the highest resolutions possible for 3D imaging techniques, necessitating very small sample geometry, while also achieving realistic electrochemical performance. Here, we present a technique in which particle cracking can be completely attributed to electrochemical stimulation via sequential ex situ imaging in a laboratory X-ray nano computed tomography (CT) instrument. This technique preserves the mechanical and electrochemical response of each particle without inducing damage in the particles except for the effects of high voltage. Significant cracking within the core of secondary particles was observed upon the electrochemical delithiation of NMC811, which propagated radially. As X-ray computed tomography allows for imaging of the particle cores, the particles were not required to be modified/milled, guaranteeing any synthesis induced strain in the particles was maintained during the whole technique, resulting in an observation that contrasts crystallographic data, suggesting a significant volume expansion of the secondary particles.

Journal article

Hageman T, Martínez-Pañeda E, 2023, A phase field-based framework for electro-chemo-mechanical fracture: Crack-contained electrolytes, chemical reactions and stabilisation, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol: 415, Pages: 1-30, ISSN: 0045-7825

We present a new theoretical and computational framework for modelling electro-chemo-mechanical fracture. The model combines a phase field description of fracture with a fully coupled characterisation of electrolyte behaviour, surface chemical reactions and stress-assisted diffusion. Importantly, a new physics-based formulation is presented to describe electrolyte-containing phase field cracks, appropriately capturing the sensitivity of electrochemical transport and reaction kinetics to the crack opening height. Unlike other existing methods, this approach is shown to accurately capture the results obtained with discrete fracture simulations. The potential of the electro-chemo-mechanical model presented is demonstrated by particularising it to the analysis of hydrogen embrittlement in metallic samples exposed to aqueous electrolytes. The finite element implementation takes as nodal degrees-of-freedom the electrolyte potential, the concentrations of relevant ionic species, the surface coverage, the concentration of diluted species, the displacement field and the phase field order parameter. Particular attention is devoted to improve stability and efficiency, resulting in the development of strategies for avoiding ill-constrained degrees of freedom and lumped integration schemes that eliminate numerical oscillations. The numerical experiments conducted showcase the ability of the model to deliver assumptions-free predictions for systems involving both free-flowing and crack-contained electrolytes. The results obtained highlight the role of electrolyte behaviour in driving the cracking process, evidencing the limitations of existing models.

Journal article

Álvarez G, Harris Z, Wada K, Rodríguez C, Martínez-Pañeda Eet al., 2023, Hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel: Influence of post-processing, printing direction, temperature and pre-straining, Additive Manufacturing, Vol: 78, ISSN: 2214-7810

The influence of post-build processing on the hydrogen embrittlement behavior of additively manufactured (AM) 316L stainless steel fabricated using laser powder bed fusion was assessed at both room temperature and −50 °C via uniaxial tensile experiments. In the absence of hydrogen at ambient temperature, all four evaluated AM conditions (as-built (AB), annealed (ANN), hot isostatic pressed (HIP), and HIP plus cold worked (CW) to 30%) exhibit notably reduced ductility relative to conventionally manufactured (CM) 316L stainless steel. The AM material exhibits sensitivity to the build direction, both in the presence and absence of hydrogen, with a notable increase in yield strength in the X direction and enhanced ductility in the Z direction. Conversely, testing of non-charged specimens at −50 °C revealed similar ductility between the CM, AB, ANN, and HIP conditions. Upon hydrogen charging, the ductility of all four AM conditions was found to be similar to that of CM 316L at ambient temperature, with the HIP condition actually exceeding the CM material. Critically, testing of hydrogen-charged samples at −50 °C revealed that the ductility of the HIP AM 316L condition was nearly double that observed in the CM 316L. This improved performance persisted even after cold working, as the CW AM 316L exhibited comparable ductility to CM 316L at −50 °C after hydrogen charging, despite having a 2-fold higher yield strength. Feritscope measurements suggest this increased performance is related to the reduced propensity for AM 316L to form strain-induced martensite during deformation, even after significant post-processing treatments. These results demonstrate that AM 316L can be post-processed using typical procedures to exhibit similar to or even improved resistance to hydrogen embrittlement relative to CM 316L.

Journal article

Holte I, Nielsen KL, Martínez-Pañeda E, Niordson CFet al., 2023, A micro-mechanics based extension of the GTN continuum model accounting for random void distributions, European Journal of Mechanics A: Solids, ISSN: 0997-7538

Randomness in the void distribution within a ductile metal complicates quantitative modeling of damage following the void growth to coalescence failure process. Though the sequence of micro-mechanisms leading to ductile failure is known from unit cell models, often based on assumptions of a regular distribution of voids, the effect of randomness remains a challenge. In the present work, mesoscale unit cell models, each containing an ensemble of four voids of equal size that are randomly distributed, are used to find statistical effects on the yield surface of the homogenized material. A yield locus is found based on a mean yield surface and a standard deviation of yield points obtained from 15 realizations of the four-void unit cells. It is found that the classical GTN model very closely agrees with the mean of the yield points extracted from the unit cell calculations with random void distributions, while the standard deviation $\textbf{S}$ varies with the imposed stress state. It is shown that the standard deviation is nearly zero for stress triaxialities $T\leq1/3$, while it rapidly increases %in the interval $4/3\lesssim T \lesssim 5$for triaxialities above $T\approx 1$, reaching maximum values of about $\textbf{S}/\sigma_0\approx0.1$ at $T \approx 4$. At even higher triaxialities it decreases slightly. The results indicate that the dependence of the standard deviation on the stress state follows from variations in the deformation mechanism since a well-correlated variation is found for the volume fraction of the unit cell that deforms plastically at yield. Thus, the random void distribution activates different complex localization mechanisms at high stress triaxialities that differ from the ligament thinning mechanism forming the basis for the classical GTN model. A method for introducing the effect of randomness into the GTN continuum model is presented, and an excellent comparison to the unit cell yield locus is achieved.

Journal article

Hageman T, Andrade C, Martínez-Pañeda E, 2023, Corrosion rates under charge-conservation conditions, Electrochimica Acta, Vol: 461, Pages: 1-13, ISSN: 0013-4686

Laboratory and numerical corrosion experiments impose an electric potential on the metal surface, differing from natural corrosion conditions, where corrosion typically occurs in the absence of external current sources. In this work, we present a new computational model that enables predicting corrosion under charge-conservation conditions. The metal potential, an output of the model, is allowed to change, capturing how the corrosion and cathodic reactions must produce/consume electrons at the same rates, as in natural conditions. Finite element simulations are performed over a large range of concentrations and geometric parameters. The results highlight the notable influence of the charge-conservation assumption and pioneeringly quantify corrosion rates under realistic conditions. They further show: (i) the strong coupling between the corrosion rate and the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, (ii) under which circumstances corrosion pits acidify, and (iii) when corrosion is able to become self-sustained lacking oxygen.

Journal article

Korec E, Jirásek M, Wong HS, Martínez-Pañeda Eet al., 2023, A phase-field chemo-mechanical model for corrosion-induced cracking in reinforced concrete, Construction and Building Materials, Vol: 393, Pages: 1-23, ISSN: 0950-0618

We present a new mechanistic framework for corrosion-induced cracking in reinforced concrete that resolvesthe underlying chemo-mechanical processes. The framework combines, for the first time, (i) a model forreactive transport and precipitation of dissolved Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in the concrete pore space, (ii) aprecipitation eigenstrain model for the pressure caused by the accumulation of precipitates (rusts) under poreconfinement conditions, (iii) a phase-field model calibrated for the quasi-brittle fracture behaviour of concrete,and (iv) a damage-dependent diffusivity tensor. Finite element model predictions show good agreement withexperimental data from impressed current tests under natural-like corrosion current densities.

Journal article

Islas A, Fernández AR, Betegón C, Martínez-Pañeda E, Pandal Aet al., 2023, Biomass dust explosions: CFD simulations and venting experiments in a 1 m3 silo, Process Safety and Environmental Protection, Vol: 176, Pages: 1048-1062, ISSN: 0957-5820

This study presents CFD simulations of biomass dust explosions in a newly developed experimental 1 m3 silo apparatus with variable venting, designed and fabricated to operate similarly to the explosivity test standards. The aim of the study is to validate a CFD model under development and investigate its capability to capture the transient effects of a vented explosion. The model is based on OpenFOAM and solves the multiphase (gas-particle) flow using an Eulerian-Lagrangian approach in a two-way regime. It considers the detailed thermochemical conversion of biomass, including moisture evaporation, devolatilization, and char oxidation, along with the homogeneous combustion of gases, turbulence, and radiative heat transfer. The explosion is analyzed in all stages, i.e., dust cloud dispersion, ignition, closed explosion, and vented explosion. The results indicate excellent agreement between the CFD model and experimental tests throughout the sequence. Our findings highlight the critical role of particle size in dust cloud distribution and pre-ignition turbulence, which significantly influences flame dynamics and the explosion itself. This model shows great promise and encourages its application for future investigations of biomass dust explosions in larger-scale geometries, especially in venting situations that fall out of the scope of the NFPA 68 or EN 14491 standards, and to help design effective safety measures to prevent such incidents.

Journal article

Lucarini S, Dunne FPE, Martínez-Pañeda E, 2023, An FFT-based crystal plasticity phase-field model for micromechanical fatigue cracking based on the stored energy density, International Journal of Fatigue, Vol: 172, Pages: 1-11, ISSN: 0142-1123

A novel FFT-based phase-field fracture framework for modelling fatigue crack initiation and propagation at the microscale is presented. A damage driving force is defined based on the stored energy and dislocation density, relating phase-field fracture with microstructural fatigue damage. The formulation is numerically implemented using FFT methods to enable modelling of sufficiently large, representative 3D microstructural regions. The early stages of fatigue cracking are simulated, predicting crack paths, growth rates and sensitivity to relevant microstructural features. Crack propagation through crystallographic planes is shown in single crystals, while the analysis of polycrystalline solids reveals transgranular crack initiation and crystallographic crack growth.

Journal article

Kovacevic S, Ali W, Martínez-Pañeda E, LLorca Jet al., 2023, Phase-field modeling of pitting and mechanically-assisted corrosion of Mg alloys for biomedical applications, Acta Biomaterialia, Vol: 164, Pages: 641-658, ISSN: 1742-7061

A phase-field model is developed to simulate the corrosion of Mg alloys in body fluids. The model incorporates both Mg dissolution and the transport of Mg ions in solution, naturally predicting the transition from activation-controlled to diffusion-controlled bio-corrosion. In addition to uniform corrosion, the presented framework captures pitting corrosion and accounts for the synergistic effect of aggressive environments and mechanical loading in accelerating corrosion kinetics. The model applies to arbitrary 2D and 3D geometries with no special treatment for the evolution of the corrosion front, which is described using a diffuse interface approach. Experiments are conducted to validate the model and a good agreement is attained against in vitro measurements on Mg wires. The potential of the model to capture mechano-chemical effects during corrosion is demonstrated in case studies considering Mg wires in tension and bioabsorbable coronary Mg stents subjected to mechanical loading. The proposed methodology can be used to assess the in vitro and in vivo service life of Mg-based biomedical devices and optimize the design taking into account the effect of mechanical deformation on the corrosion rate. The model has the potential to advocate further development of Mg alloys as a biodegradable implant material for biomedical applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A physically-based model is developed to simulate the corrosion of bioabsorbable metals in environments that resemble biological fluids. The model captures pitting corrosion and incorporates the role of mechanical fields in enhancing the corrosion of bioabsorbable metals. Model predictions are validated against dedicated in vitro corrosion experiments on Mg wires. The potential of the model to capture mechano-chemical effects is demonstrated in representative examples. The simulations show that the presence of mechanical fields leads to the formation of cracks accelerating the failure of Mg wires, whereas pit

Journal article

Kristensen PK, Golahmar A, Martínez-Pañeda E, Niordson CFet al., 2023, Accelerated high-cycle phase field fatigue predictions, European Journal of Mechanics - A/Solids, Vol: 100, Pages: 1-11, ISSN: 0997-7538

Phase field fracture models have seen widespread application in the last decade. Among these applications, its use to model the evolution of fatigue cracks has attracted particular interest, as fatigue damage behaviour can be predicted for arbitrary loading histories, dimensions and complexity of the cracking phenomena at play. However, while cycle-by-cycle calculations are remarkably flexible, they are also computationally expensive, hindering the applicability of phase field fatigue models for technologically-relevant problems. In this work, a computational framework for accelerating phase field fatigue calculations is presented. Two novel acceleration strategies are proposed, which can be used in tandem and together with other existing acceleration schemes from the literature. The computational performance of the proposed methods is documented through a series of 2D and 3D boundary value problems, highlighting the robustness and efficiency of the framework even in complex fatigue problems. The observed reduction in computation time using both of the proposed methods in tandem is shown to reach a speed-up factor of 32, with a scaling trend enabling even greater reductions in problems with more load cycles.

Journal article

Raina A, Deshpande VS, Martinez-Paneda E, Fleck NAet al., 2023, Analysis of hydrogen diffusion in the three stage electro-permeation test, Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics, ISSN: 0935-1175

The presence of hydrogen traps within a metallic alloy influences the rate of hydrogen diffusion. The electro-permeation (EP) test can be used to assess this: the permeation of hydrogen through a thin metallic sheet is measured by suitable control of hydrogen concentration on the front face and by recording the flux of hydrogen that exits the rear face. Additional insight is achieved by the more sophisticated three stage EP test: the concentration of free lattice hydrogen on the front face is set to an initial level, is then dropped to a lower intermediate value and is then restored to the initial level. The flux of hydrogen exiting the rear face is measured in all three stages of the test. In the present study, a transient analysis is performed of hydrogen permeation in a three stage EP test, assuming that lattice diffusion is accompanied by trapping and de-trapping. The sensitivity of the three stage EP response to the depth and density of hydrogen traps is quantified. A significant difference in permeation response can exist between the first and third stages of the EP test when the alloy contains a high number density of deep traps.

Journal article

Golahmar A, Niordson CF, Martínez-Pañeda E, 2023, A phase field model for high-cycle fatigue: Total-life analysis, International Journal of Fatigue, Vol: 170, Pages: 1-13, ISSN: 0142-1123

We present a generalised phase field formulation for predicting high-cycle fatigue in metals. Different fatigue degradation functions are presented, together with new damage accumulation strategies, to account for (i) a typical S–N curve slope, (ii) the fatigue endurance limit, and (iii) the mean stress effect. The numerical implementation exploits an efficient quasi Newton monolithic solution strategy and Virtual S–N curves are computed for both smooth and notched samples. The comparison with experiments reveals that the model can accurately predict fatigue lives and endurance limits, as well as naturally capture the influence of the stress concentration factor and the load ratio.

Journal article

García-Merino JC, Calvo-Jurado C, Martínez-Pañeda E, García-Macías Eet al., 2023, Multielement polynomial chaos Kriging-based metamodelling for Bayesian inference of non-smooth systems, Applied Mathematical Modelling: simulation and computation for engineering and environmental systems, Vol: 116, Pages: 510-531, ISSN: 0307-904X

This paper presents a surrogate modelling technique based on domain partitioning for Bayesian parameter inference of highly nonlinear engineering models. In order to alleviate the computational burden typically involved in Bayesian inference applications, a multielement Polynomial Chaos Expansion based Kriging metamodel is proposed. The developed surrogate model combines in a piecewise function an array of local Polynomial Chaos based Kriging metamodels constructed on a finite set of non-overlapping subdomains of the stochastic input space. Therewith, the presence of non-smoothness in the response of the forward model (e.g.~ nonlinearities and sparseness) can be reproduced by the proposed metamodel with minimum computational costs owing toits local adaptation capabilities. The model parameter inference is conductedthrough a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach comprising adaptive exploration and delayed rejection. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach are validated through two case studies, including an analytical benchmark and a numerical case study. The latter relates the partial differential equation governing the hydrogen diffusion phenomenon of metallic materials in Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy tests.

Journal article

Zafra A, Álvarez G, Benoit G, Henaff G, Martinez-Pañeda E, Rodríguez C, Belzunce Jet al., 2023, Hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth: Pre-charging vs in-situ testing in gaseous environments, Materials Science and Engineering: A, Vol: 871, Pages: 1-14, ISSN: 0921-5093

We investigate the implications of conducting hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth experiments in a hydrogen gas environment (in-situ hydrogen charging) or in air (following exposure to hydrogen gas). The study is conducted on welded 42CrMo4 steel, a primary candidate for the future hydrogen transport infrastructure, allowing us to additionally gain insight into the differences in behavior between the base steel and the coarse grain heat affected zone. The results reveal significant differences between the two testing approaches and the two weld regions. The differences are particularly remarkable for the comparison of testing methodologies, with fatigue crack growth rates being more than one order of magnitude higher over relevant loading regimes when the samples are tested in a hydrogen-containing environment, relative to the pre-charged samples. Aided by finite element modelling and microscopy analysis, these differences are discussed and rationalized. Independent of the testing approach, the heat affected zone showed a higher susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. Similar microstructural behavior is observed for both testing approaches, with the base metal exhibiting martensite lath decohesion while the heat affected zone experienced both martensite lath decohesion and intergranular fracture.

Journal article

Lewis JA, Sandoval SE, Liu Y, Nelson DL, Yoon SG, Wang R, Zhao Y, Tian M, Shevchenko P, MartínezPañeda E, McDowell MTet al., 2023, Accelerated short circuiting in anode‐free solid‐state batteries driven by local lithium depletion, Advanced Energy Materials, Vol: 13, Pages: 1-12, ISSN: 1614-6832

“Anode-free” solid-state batteries (SSBs), which have no anode active material, can exhibit extremely high energy density (≈1500 Wh L−1). However, there is a lack of understanding of the lithium plating/stripping mechanisms at initially lithium-free solid-state electrolyte (SSE) interfaces because excess lithium metal is often used. Here, it is demonstrated that commercially relevant quantities of lithium (>5 mAh cm−2) can be reliably plated at moderate current densities (1 mA cm−2) using the sulfide SSE Li6PS5Cl. Investigations of lithium plating/stripping mechanisms, in conjunction with cryo-focused ion beam (FIB) imaging, synchrotron tomography, and phase-field modeling, reveal that the cycling stability of these cells is fundamentally limited by the nonuniform presence of lithium during stripping. Local lithium depletion causes isolated lithium regions toward the end of stripping, decreasing electrochemically active area and resulting in high local current densities and void formation. This accelerates subsequent filament growth and short circuiting compared to lithium-excess cells. Despite this degradation mode, it is shown that anode-free cells exhibit comparable Coulombic efficiency to lithium-excess cells, and improved resistance to short circuiting is achieved by avoiding local lithium depletion through retention of thicker lithium at the interface. These new insights provide a foundation for engineering future high-energy anode-free SSBs.

Journal article

Quinteros L, García-Macías E, Martínez-Pañeda E, 2023, Electromechanical phase-field fracture modelling of piezoresistive CNT-based composites, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol: 407, Pages: 1-24, ISSN: 0045-7825

We present a novel computational framework to simulate the electromechanical response of self-sensing carbon nanotube (CNT)-based composites experiencing fracture. The computational framework combines electrical-deformation-fracture finite element modelling with a mixed micromechanics formulation. The latter is used to estimate the constitutive properties of CNT-based composites, including the elastic tensor, fracture energy, electrical conductivity, and linear piezoresistive coefficients. These properties are inputted into a coupled electro-structural finite element model, which simulates the evolution of cracks based upon phase-field fracture. The coupled physical problem is solved in a monolithic manner, exploiting the robustness and efficiency of a quasi-Newton algorithm. 2D and 3D boundary value problems are simulated to illustrate the potential of the modelling framework in assessing the influence of defects on the electromechanical response of meso- and macro-scale smart structures. Case studies aim at shedding light into the interplay between fracture and the electromechanical material response and include parametric analyses, validation against experiments and the simulation of complex cracking conditions (multiple defects, crack merging). The presented numerical results showcase the efficiency and robustness of the computational framework, as well as its ability to model a large variety of structural configurations and damage patterns. The deformation-electrical-fracture finite element code developed is made freely available to download.

Journal article

Hageman T, Martinez-Paneda E, 2023, Stabilising effects of lumped integration schemes for thesimulation of metal-electrolyte reactions, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, Vol: 170, Pages: 1-17, ISSN: 0013-4651

Computational modelling of metal-electrolyte reactions is central to the understanding and prediction of a wide range of physical phenomena, yet this is often challenging owing to the presence of numerical oscillations that arise due to dissimilar reaction rates. The ingress of hydrogen into metals is a paradigmatic example of a technologically-relevant phenomenon whose simulation is compromised by the stiffness of the reaction terms, as reaction rates vary over orders of magnitude and this significantly limits the time increment size. In this work, we present a lumped integration scheme for electro-chemical interface reactions that does not suffer from numerical oscillations. The scheme integrates the reactions in a consistent manner, while it also decouples neighbouring nodes and allows for larger time increments to be used without oscillations or convergence issues. The stability and potential of our scheme is demonstrated by simulating hydrogen ingress over a wide range of reaction rate constants and environmental conditions. While previous hydrogen uptake predictions were limited to time scales of minutes, the present lumped integration scheme enables conducting simulations over tens of years, allowing us to reach steady state conditions and quantify hydrogen ingress for time scales relevant to practical applications.

Journal article

Zafra A, Harris Z, Korec E, Martínez-Pañeda Eet al., 2023, On the relative efficacy of electropermeation and isothermal desorption approaches for measuring hydrogen diffusivity, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol: 48, Pages: 1218-1233, ISSN: 0360-3199

The relative efficacy of electrochemical permeation (EP) and isothermal desorption spectroscopy (ITDS) methods for determining the hydrogen diffusivity is investigated using cold-rolled pure iron. The diffusivities determined from 13 first transient and 8 second transient EP experiments, evaluated using the conventional lag and breakthrough time methods, are compared to the results of 10 ITDS experiments. Results demonstrate that the average diffusivity is similar between the second EP transient and ITDS, which are distinctly increased relative to the first EP transient. However, the coefficient of variation for the ITDS experiments is reduced by 2 and 3-fold relative to the first and second EP transients, confirming the improved repeatability of ITDS diffusivity measurements. The source of the increased error in EP measurements is systematically evaluated, revealing an important influence of assumed electrochemical boundary conditions on the analysis and interpretation of EP experiments.

Journal article

Navidtehrani Y, Betegón C, Zimmerman RW, Martínez-Pañeda Eet al., 2022, Griffith-based analysis of crack initiation location in a Brazilian test, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, Vol: 159, Pages: 1-16, ISSN: 0020-7624

The Brazilian test has been extremely popular while prompting significant debate. The main source of controversy is rooted in its indirect nature; the material tensile strength is inferred upon assuming that cracking initiates at the centre of the sample. Here, we use the Griffith criterion and finite element analysis to map the conditions (jaws geometry and material properties) that result in the nucleation of a centre crack. Unlike previous studies, we do not restrict ourselves to evaluating the stress state at the disk centre; the failure envelope of the generalised Griffith criterion is used to establish the crack nucleation location. We find that the range of conditions where the Brazilian test is valid is much narrower than previously assumed, with current practices and standards being inappropriate for a wide range of rock-like materials. The results obtained are used to develop a protocol that experimentalists can follow to obtain a valid estimate of the material tensile strength. This is showcased with specific case studies and examples of valid and invalid tests from the literature. Furthermore, the uptake of this protocol is facilitated by providing a MATLAB App that determines the validity of the experiment for arbitrary test conditions.

Journal article

Ai W, Wu B, Martínez-Pañeda E, 2022, A coupled phase field formulation for modelling fatigue cracking in lithium-ion battery electrode particles, Journal of Power Sources, Vol: 544, ISSN: 0378-7753

Electrode particle cracking is one of the main phenomena driving battery capacity degradation. Recent phase field fracture studies have investigated particle cracking behaviour. However, only the beginning of life has been considered and effects such as damage accumulation have been neglected. Here, a multi-physics phase field fatigue model has been developed to study crack propagation in battery electrode particles undergoing hundreds of cycles. In addition, we couple our electrochemo-mechanical formulation with X-ray CT imaging to simulate fatigue cracking of realistic particle microstructures. Using this modelling framework, non-linear crack propagation behaviour is predicted, leading to the observation of an exponential increase in cracked area with cycle number. Three stages of crack growth (slow, accelerating and unstable) are observed, with phenomena such as crack initialisation at concave regions and crack coalescence having a significant contribution to the resulting fatigue crack growth rates. The critical values of C-rate, particle size and initial crack length are determined, and found to be lower than those reported in the literature using static fracture models. Therefore, this work demonstrates the importance of considering fatigue damage in battery degradation models and provides insights on the control of fatigue crack propagation to alleviate battery capacity degradation.

Journal article

Zhao Y, Wang R, Martínez-Pañeda E, 2022, A phase field electro-chemo-mechanical formulation for predicting void evolution at the Li-electrolyte interface in all-solid-state batteries, Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Vol: 167, Pages: 1-25, ISSN: 0022-5096

We present a mechanistic theory for predicting void evolution in the Li metal electrode during the charge and discharge of all-solid-state battery cells. A phase field formulation is developed to model vacancy annihilation and nucleation, and to enable the tracking of the void-Li metal interface. This is coupled with a viscoplastic description of Li deformation, to capture creep effects, and a mass transfer formulation accounting for substitutional (bulk and surface) Li diffusion and current-driven flux. Moreover, we incorporate the interaction between the electrode and the solid electrolyte, resolving the coupled electro-chemical-mechanical problem in both domains. This enables predicting the electrolyte current distribution and thus the emergence of local current 'hot spots', which act as precursors for dendrite formation and cell death. The theoretical framework is numerically implemented, and single and multiple void case studies are carried out to predict the evolution of voids and current hot spots as a function of the applied pressure, material properties and charge (magnitude and cycle history). For both plating and stripping, insight is gained into the interplay between bulk diffusion, Li dissolution and deposition, creep, and the nucleation and annihilation of vacancies. The model is shown to capture the main experimental observations, including not only key features of electrolyte current and void morphology but also the sensitivity to the applied current, the role of pressure in increasing the electrode-electrolyte contact area, and the dominance of creep over vacancy diffusion.

Journal article

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