A Novel Approach to Discrete Representative Volume Element Automation and Generation-DRAGen

• Published in: Materials Vol. 13; no. 8; p. 1887
• Main Authors: Henrich, Manuel, Pütz, Felix, Münstermann, Sebastian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 17.04.2020; MDPI
• Subjects: Algorithms; Computer simulation; discrete tessellation; Generators; Grain size; Martensite; Measurement techniques; Metal fatigue; Methods; Microstructure; Modular structures; Packaging; random sequential addition algorithm; representative volume elements; Scanning electron microscopy; Statistical analysis; Steel; Tessellation; voronoi tessellation; United States > US; random sequential addition algorithm; discrete tessellation; voronoi tessellation; microstructure; representative volume elements
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma13081887

In this study, a novel approach for generating Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) is introduced. In contrast to common generators, the new RVE generator is based on discrete methods to reconstruct synthetic microstructures, using simple methods and a modular structure. The plain and uncomplicated structure of the generator makes the extension with new features quite simple. It is discussed why certain features are essential for microstructural simulations. The discrete methods are implemented into a python tool. A Random Sequential Addition (RSA)-Algorithm for discrete volumes is developed and the tessellation is realized with a discrete tessellation function. The results show that the generator can successfully reconstruct realistic microstructures with elongated grains and martensite bands from given input data sets.