A microscopic dynamic Monte Carlo simulation for unidirectional fiber reinforced metal matrix composites

Abstract

A dynamic Monte Carlo large-fine numerical microcomposite model, based on the modified shear-lag model with fine mesh, sufficient fibers and adequate length, was established to study the microscopic tensile failure process of unidirectional fiber reinforced metal matrix composites (composites wire) under different strain-rates. In this model, the strength of the fiber elements is randomly allocated by the Monte Carlo method, the elasto-plastic properties of the matrix elements, the friction of the interfaces and the residual stress of both the fiber and matrix elements are definitely allocated. Using this model, the deformation, damage and failure process of the composites is simulated on the microscopic level, the tensile stress–strain relationship is well predicted, the relationship of mechanical properties between the composites and the original fiber, in situ fiber and the interface is discussed. The analysis also shows that, compared with the experimental results, the simulated results using in situ parameters of fiber arrive at good correlation while those using original parameters have much difference (the predicted strength is obviously higher than the experimental strength). It also shows that the effect of interface strength on the strength of composites is limited, the composites strength is dominantly determined by the in situ fiber strength