Elasto-plastic analysis of edge effects in metal matrix angle-ply laminates

Abstract

A family of silicon carbide/aluminium alloy[θ/ — θ], laminates, with θ = 0°, 15°,…, 90°, were analysed for their thermo-mechanical free edge effects using a quasi-three-dimensional finite element analysis with an initial stress iteration method for the elasto-plastic material behaviour. The laminates were assumed to be stress free at a temperature of 550°C during production and were cooled to the room temperature of 20°C. Initial thermal stresses resulted in the laminates and were reported. The laminates were then subject to a uniform applied strain in the longitudinal direction of the laminate until failure occurred according to a maximum strain failure criterion. Initial thermal stresses were found to be very high in both laminates and in particular, at the free edge region. Yield zones were identified in both thermal only and thermal and mechanical load cases. It was found that the initial thermal stresses had an effect to increase the strength of all laminates. The [45°/—45°], laminate was found to have the highest strength amongst all laminates considered with respect to the present loading condition.