The role of topology in microstructure-property relations: a 2D DEM based study

Abstract

We compare Rényi entropy-based mesoscale approaches for characterizing 2D polycrystalline network topology and geometry, based on the grain number of sides and grain areas, respectively. We study the effect of microstructure disorder on mechanical properties such as elastic and damage response by performing simulations of quasi-static uniaxial compression loading tests on an idealized material using grain-level micro-mechanical discrete element model. While not comprehensive enough to make general conclusions, this study allows us to make observations about the sensitivity of mechanical parameters such as Youngʼs modulus, proportional limit, first yield stress, toughness and amount of microstructure damage to different entropy measures.