Three-Dimensional Damage Analysis of Structural Members Under Hot-Dip Galvanization.

Continuum damage mechanics is applied to the prediction of the initiation of cracks in structral members under hot-dip galvanization. The constitutive equation based on Lemaitre's theory has been implemented in the 3-d finite element program. The critical value of the damage variable has been determined by the comparison of the finite element solution with the bending test result in molten zinc in order to consider the effect of zinc-embrittlement. Numerical studies for pylon members have been conducted to show the validity of the present computational mechanics approach.