18  Final Project

Guidelines and Topic List

18.1 Overview

The final project constitutes 40% of your course grade:

  • Presentation (15%): 15-minute talk in the last week of the semester.
  • Report (25%): written report due two weeks after the end of the semester.

18.2 Topic Selection

You may choose from the suggested topics below or propose your own (requires instructor approval before Week 7).

Suggested topics:

  1. Large-deformation viscoplasticity: Implement a multiplicative decomposition-based viscoplastic model (\(\mathbf{F} = \mathbf{F}^e\mathbf{F}^p\)) and validate against experimental data.
  2. Crystal plasticity: Develop a single-crystal slip-system plasticity model; compare to polycrystal experiments.
  3. Phase-field fracture in FEniCSx: Implement and benchmark the Bourdin-Francfort-Marigo model.
  4. Data-driven constitutive model: Train a thermodynamically consistent NN constitutive model on synthetic data; test generalization.
  5. Parameter identification with DIC: Use full-field strain data from Digital Image Correlation to calibrate a plasticity model.
  6. Gradient damage with mesh objectivity study: Implement a nonlocal/gradient damage model; demonstrate mesh-independence of the solution.
  7. Soil plasticity: Implement Cam-Clay or Modified Cam-Clay; simulate oedometer and triaxial tests.
  8. Viscoelasticity of polymers: Fit a Prony series to DMA data; implement and validate in 3D.
  9. GPR surrogate for J2 plasticity: Build a GP surrogate for the yield surface; embed in FEM and compare to standard implementation.
  10. Your own proposal — discuss with instructor.

18.3 Report Format

Reports should be submitted as a PDF and contain:

  • Abstract (≤ 200 words)
  • Introduction and motivation
  • Theory and model description
  • Numerical implementation
  • Results and validation
  • Discussion and conclusion
  • References

Aim for 15–25 pages (main body), not including appendices.

18.4 Presentation Guidelines

  • 15 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A.
  • Slides should be clear and not overcrowded — focus on key results and insights.
  • All group members must speak.
  • Projects may be individual or in pairs (pairs are expected to cover a broader scope).