Multiscale mechanical analysis of 3D nanoparticle-reinforced metal-based composites considering interface effects

Abstract

Nanoparticle-reinforced metal-based composites (NRMCs) have gained recognition for their remarkable interface effects and their demonstration of superior mechanical properties. To effectively account for interfacial effects and precisely assess the mechanical properties of NRMCs with arbitrarily complex internal structures, our study employs the principle of minimum energy and leverages the Gurtin-Murdoch interface theory to devise a finite element interface element that comprehensively considers the interface effect of NRMCs. Utilizing this novel interface element, we construct diverse NRMCs model and subject them to single-axis tension and compression simulations. Our findings reveal that the developed finite element model accurately captures the internal stress distribution of the NRMCs. Both the particle modulus and interfacial effects exert influence on the Young’s modulus of the model. When the particle modulus is small, interfacial effects have a large impact on Young’s modulus. Additionally, the effect of interface residual stress on Young’s modulus is strongly dependent on the direction of external loading. The developed finite element model offers a scientific approach for accurately predicting the mechanical performance of NRMCs.