Multiscale modeling of mechanical behavior and failure mechanism of 3D angle-interlock woven aluminum composites subjected to warp/weft directional tension loading

Abstract

The mechanical behavior and progressive damage mechanism of novel aluminum matrix composites reinforced with 3D angle-interlock woven carbon fibers were investigated using a multiscale modeling approach. The mechanical properties and failure of yarns were evaluated using a microscale model under different loading scenarios. On this basis, a mesoscale model was developed to analyze the tensile behavior and failure mechanism of the composites. The interfacial decohesion, matrix damage, and failure of fibers and yarns were incorporated into the microscopic and mesoscopic models. The stress–strain curves and fracture modes from simulation show good agreement with the experimental curves and fracture morphology. Local interface and matrix damage initiate first under warp directional tension. Thereafter, interfacial failure, weft yarn cracking, and matrix failure occur successively. Axial fracture of warp yarn, which displays a quasi-ductile fracture characteristic, dominates the ultimate composites failure. Under weft directional tension, interfacial failure and warp yarn rupture occur at the early and middle stages. Matrix failure and weft yarn fracture emerge simultaneously at the final stage, leading to the cata-strophic failure of composites. The weft directional strength and fracture strain are lower than the warp directional ones because of the lower weft density and the more serious brittle fracture of weft yarns.