Mechanical properties of aluminium metal matrix composites under impact loading

Abstract

A flow stress model based on plasticity theory has been developed for two different types of aluminium metal matrix composite materials subjected to high strain rate. A combined experimental and numerical techniques are used to determine the flow model parameters. Experimental results consisting of cylindrical impact compression tests and conventional mechanical tests are presented. The parameters of the proposed flow stress model were evaluated based on satisfactory agreement between the predicted and measured final dimension of the test specimen. The model, in its general form, considers the combined effects of strain, strain hardening, strain rate, and thermal softening on the flow stress. Finally, for comparison, tests were also conducted on pure aluminum.