Ferrari: Modeling Aluminum Welds with Cohesive Elements: A Numerical-Experimental Correlation and Material Card Definition | RUM 2023 EuroMed Italy

We are pleased to share with you the presentation titled "Modeling Aluminum Welds with Cohesive Elements: A Numerical-Experimental Correlation and Material Card Definition" which Andrea Alessandro VAINI presented at the SIMULIA Regional User Meeting EuroMed – Italy​​​​​​​, in Modena, on June 20, 2023.

Abstract:

Modeling Aluminum Welds with Cohesive Elements: A Numerical-Experimental Correlation and Material Card Definition

In the field of structural engineering, accurate modeling of aluminum welding joints is crucial for reliable prediction of their structural behavior and performance. This study focuses on characterizing the damage behavior of cohesive elements to simulate the nonlinear response of aluminum welds in Abaqus accurately. The research methodology consists of two main stages: experimental testing and numerical modeling.

Experimental tests are conducted on aluminum welded specimens under various loading conditions to investigate their mechanical response and failure behavior. 
Based on the experimental findings, a numerical model incorporating cohesive elements is developed in Abaqus Explicit. The cohesive elements are calibrated to catch the right stiffness of the joint and the critical stresses at which the material starts to degrade, leading to the nonlinear behavior observed during physical tests.

The cohesive element approach effectively reproduces the nonlinear behavior of the welds, providing a reliable tool for assessing the structural integrity and performance of aluminum welded joints.

Presenter Biography:

After receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Politecnico di Milano, Andrea Alessandro VAINI attended the Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia in Modena, completing his studies in 2018 with a Master's Degree in Automotive Engineering. In 2019 Andrea started working at Ferrari S.p.A. as a CAE Mechanical Engineer Consultant in the Hybrid Development Department. 

After working for 3 ½ years as a consultant, he joined Ferrari in 2022 and is now in charge of Structural Simulations (static, dynamic, fatigue) to verify and optimize high-voltage batteries, electronic components and electric motors.

@AV 
CAE Mechanical Engineer


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