Dynamically Driven Phase Transformations in Damaged Composite Materials

Abstract

A model developed for composite materials undergoing dynamicaly driven phase transitions in its constituents has been extended to allow for complex material micro‐structure and evolution of damage. In this work, damage is described by interfacial debonding and micro‐crack growth. We have applied the analysis to silicon carbide‐titanium (SiC‐Ti) unidirectional metal matrix composites. In these composites, Ti can undergo a low pressure and temperature solid‐solid phase transition. With these extensions we have carried out simulations to study the complex interplay between loading rates, micro‐structure, damage, and the thermo‐mechanical response of the system as it undergoes a solid‐solid phase transitions.