Finite element method modeling of deformation behavior of two-phase materials part II: stress and strain distributions

Abstract

Many mechanical properties of two-phase materials depend strongly on the nature of stress and strain distributions. In this investigation, an attempt was made to determine the local and the average stress and strain distributions as a function of volume per cent of phases and strength difference between the phases by the finite element method. In general, it was found that most of the strain is carried by the softer phase and the stress is carried by the harder phase. In addition, transverse stresses develop as a result of the interaction between phases. The extent of stress and strain partitioning and the magnitude of the transverse stresses depended on the volume per cent of the phases and the strength difference between them. When the softer phase was the matrix, an increase in the strength ratio of the harder to the softer phase from 2 to 5 did not significantly change the stress and strain distributions. However, when the harder phase was the matrix, a change in the strength ratio of the phases from 2 to 5 did change the stress and strain partitioning and also the magnitude of the transverse stresses.