Abstract
Using a micro-focus X-ray CT with high resolution, precise 3-dimensional image-based models of porous alumina ceramics were reconstructed. These models were used for stress analyses of solid specimens, which had complicated 3-dimensional structures. The specimens 1.5 mm in size were imaged by the CT voxels of about 3 cubic μm. Using the obtained microscopic models, homogenization simulation was conducted to calculate the equivalent elastic constants of the specimens considering the morphology of the porous structures. Using the equivalent elastic constants obtained, macroscopic stress problems assumed in a 4-point bending test were calculated by FEM. By setting the microscopic model in the maximum macroscopic stressed area, the local stress distributions in the microscopic model were calculated. Stress concentrations in the microscopic models were discussed using the histograms of stress distribution calculated.
