Numerical
Asphalt
CAD
Why it matters
One of the main difficulties in simulating asphalt concrete at the meso-scale (with an explicit representation of the aggregates) is the geometric reconstruction of the material’s constituents. Starting from an aggregate arrangement obtained through randomisation algorithms consistent with the grading curve, the challenge is to generate solid geometries that correctly represent the porosity of the asphalt mix, to be used later to study its mechanical characterisation.
What you'll do
- Build meso-scale models of asphalt concrete, representing complex geometries with the "distance field" method.
- Use CAD software to create complex three-dimensional geometries.
- Use a FEM code (Abaqus) for nonlinear material analyses.
- Write Python scripts.
Prerequisites
- Knowledge of FEM simulations from the Computational Mechanics course (or equivalent).
- Basic programming skills: useful but not essential, you will learn during the thesis.
Tools
- CAD software, to build the three-dimensional geometries of the aggregates.
- Abaqus, for nonlinear FEM simulations.
- Python, to connect geometry and simulation.
Opportunities
Interdisciplinary collaboration with Prof. G. Concheri and Prof. G. Savio.
Supervisor
Prof. Gianluca Mazzucco (in collaboration with Prof. G. Concheri and Prof. G. Savio) · gianluca.mazzucco@unipd.it