Abstract
The Mori–Tanaka approach is used to modelling metal particulate-reinforced brittle matrix composites under cyclic compressive loading. The J 2-flow theory is considered as the relevant physical law of plastic flow in inclusions. Ratchetting of the composite is prevented by the strong constraint exerted by the matrix on the inclusions, even under the assumption of evanescent kinematic hardening. However, the weakening constraint power of the matrix caused by microfracture damage around inclusions is closely coupled with the plasticity of inclusion and leads to ratchetting even when the plastic deformation of inclusions is described by an isotropic hardening rule. A detailed parametric study has revealed that ratchetting is followed by either plastic or elastic shakedown, depending on the load amplitude, composite parameters and the mean length of microcracks.
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