Deformation behavior of SiC particle reinforced Al matrix composites based on EMA model

Abstract

Effects of the matrix properties, particle size distribution and interfacial matrix failure on the elastoplastic deformation behavior in Al matrix composites reinforced by SiC particles with an average size of 5 βm and volume fraction of 12% were quantitatively calculated by using the expanded effective assumption(EMA) model. The particle size distribution naturally brings about the variation of matrix properties and the interfacial matrix failure due to the presence of SiC particles. The theoretical results coincide well with those of the experiment. The current research indicates that the load transfer between matrix and reinforcements, grain refinement in matrix, and enhanced dislocation density originated from the thermal mismatch between SiC particles and Al matrix increase the flow stress of the composites, but the interfacial matrix failure is opposite. It also proves that the load transfer, grain refinement and dislocation strengthening are the main strengthening mechanisms, and the interfacial matrix failure and ductile fracture of matrix are the dominating fracture modes in the composites. The mechanical properties of the composites strongly depend on the metal matrix.