Damage evolution in metals under uniaxial tension: Thermodynamic approach

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-15-2026

Abstract

This study introduces a thermodynamics-based framework for characterizing material degradation under uniaxial tensile loading by evaluating entropy generation. The approach leverages two key physics-based parameters,—the degradation coefficient (B) and the failure entropy threshold (FET)—both parameters are rooted in the second law of irreversible thermodynamics. Extensive experimental validation was conducted on metallic materials, including AISI 1018, SS 410, and SS 316L steels, under varying operating conditions. Additional insights were derived from literature data on aluminum, copper, and titanium alloys. The findings establish that B effectively captures the rate of damage evolution, while FET provides an entropy-based criterion for defining failure. Both parameters exhibited material specificity, with minimal sensitivity to strain rate and specimen geometry, highlighting their applicability in real-time structural health monitoring. Additionally, the effectiveness of B and FET in identifying performance variations due to heat treatment and welding illustrates their capability to detect both degradation and enhancement in mechanical behavior. To facilitate easy adaptability for designers, a correlation between the B and FET is identified using the product of ultimate tensile stress and fracture strain. This unified framework provides a scalable, generalizable tool for degradation assessment, integrating experimental insights with thermodynamic principles to support predictive maintenance strategies.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

International Journal of Mechanical Sciences

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS