A Voronoi Cell finite element model for particle cracking in elastic-plastic composite materials

Abstract

In this paper, a small deformation Voronoi Cell finite element model is developed for damage in particle reinforced composite materials by particle cracking and splitting. It incorporates a ductile elastic-plastic matrix material containing any dispersion of brittle elastic inclusions of arbitrary shapes and sizes. Damage initiation by micro-cracking or splitting of the inclusions is assumed to follow a maximum principal stress theory or Rankine criterion. Complete particle cracking or splitting is assumed at the onset of damage. The model accounts for microstructure evolution through progressive particle fracture in complex morphologies without any user interference. Various micro-structural morphologies are simulated to verify the effectiveness of the model. Analysis of real microstructures from optical micrographs of AlSiMg composite systems, is conducted to demonstrate the promise of this numerical model.