Morphological multisscale modeling of cementitious materials -- Application to effective diffusive properties prediction
Year: 2015
Type: preprint
Abstract: The aim of the present Ph.D. is to develop a methodology and a simulation framework able to predict as accurately as possible effective properties regarding diffusion in saturated cement based materials. A sequenced multiscale framework is developed to perform numerical homogenization on diffusive properties, and thus predict effective properties. The general outline is to model every scale in concrete-like materials, from the C-S-H gel, to the concrete scale, and with the help of a proper framework, be able to predict effective properties. The methodology relies on the following key points for every considered scale :- Inclusion-matrix like morphologies are generated through level set methods applied to multi-dimensional correlated random fields. This approach, together with few morphological operations allows to generate 3D morphologies with given particle size distributions (PSD), or pore size distributions. Then, it is also possible, from the initial state, to make those morphologies evolve according to any descriptive model (e.g. in terms of volume fraction), via the level set.- The morphological description of each scale is chosen according to the most acknowledged experimentations and models. In addition, at the cement paste scale, a hydration model was developed to predict the evolution of the cement paste through time, in terms of volume fractions. The choice was made to keep a simple model (Jennings & Tennis), with few but essential input parameters (mineral cement composition, w/c ratio, PSD). It has only been modified to include recent experimental results, such as the maximal hydration degree, or the hydration rates.- The upscaling framework was built to suit every considered scale, and allows to assess effective properties based on energy conservation principles. Similar to Hill's theory for elasticity, the framework is build to ensure to proper scale separation regarding effective diffusion coefficients.- Lastely, the numerical context is based on E-FEM techniques, which allows to use unstructured meshes, on which the morphologies are projected. This way, any material discontinuity in dealt within the FE, and thus does not require averaging properties, or joint elements. Results from every scale will be used as inputs at the higher scales, and effective diffusion coefficients are thus estimated.
Author: Mateusz Bogdan
Language: French
Subfield: Applied Mathematics
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2806283837