Numerical analysis of mechanical properties and particle cracking probability of metal matrix composites

Abstract

Particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) are characterized by inhomogeneity and heterogeneity. The shape as well as volume fraction of the reinforcing particles and the mechanical properties of particles and matrix greatly affect the macro-mechanical properties of the metal matrix composites. Several analytical models were established to study the mesco-mechanical properties of the metal matrix composites based on the numerical simulation method combined with user-defined subroutine VUMAT in finite element codes ABAQUS in this article. Then the Weibull statistics model was adopted to study the effects of particle geometry shape and volume fraction on the probability of particle cracking under different applied strains. After that, an empirical formula for computing the probability of particle cracking was proposed which is a ternary function of the particle aspect ratio, the particle volume fraction and the applied strain based on the analysis of the computed data from different models. Finally, the validity and accuracy of the empirical formula in a certain range were verified through a model with an arbitrary set of particle parameters (particle aspect ratio AR and volume fraction Vf), which can provide a necessary guidance for the development and preparation of particle reinforced metal matrix composites.