Predictive Computational Model for Damage Behavior of Metal-Matrix Composites Emphasizing the Effect of Particle Size and Volume Fraction.

Shaimaa I Gad,Mohamed A Attia,Mohamed A Hassan,Ahmed G El-Shafei

doi:10.3390/ma14092143

Abstract

In this paper, an integrated numerical model is proposed to investigate the effects of particulate size and volume fraction on the deformation, damage, and failure behaviors of particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs). In the framework of a random microstructure-based finite element modelling, the plastic deformation and ductile cracking of the matrix are, respectively, modelled using Johnson–Cook constitutive relation and Johnson–Cook ductile fracture model. The matrix-particle interface decohesion is simulated by employing the surface-based-cohesive zone method, while the particulate fracture is manipulated by the elastic–brittle cracking model, in which the damage evolution criterion depends on the fracture energy cracking criterion. A 2D nonlinear finite element model was developed using ABAQUS/Explicit commercial program for modelling and analyzing damage mechanisms of silicon carbide reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The predicted results have shown a good agreement with the experimental data in the forms of true stress–strain curves and failure shape. Unlike the existing models, the influence of the volume fraction and size of SiC particles on the deformation, damage mechanism, failure consequences, and stress–strain curve of A359/SiC particulate composites is investigated accounting for the different possible modes of failure simultaneously.

Highlights

Accepted: 21 April 2021Particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) combine two or more constituents to tailor their best properties like strength and modulus of the reinforcement, and ductility and toughness of the matrix
This study aims to explore the influence of volume fraction and size of SiC particles on the damage mechanism, deformation, fracture, and mechanical performance of A359/SiC composites considering all the three possible failure modes
The developed integrated 2D computational finite element (FE) model is employed to explore the impacts of volume fraction and size of SiC particles on the damage behavior, consequences of failure modes, and the required load for the onset of each failure mode in A359/SiC compo7 of 17 site accounting for the mutual influences of various possible damage modes

Summary

Introduction

Particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) combine two or more constituents to tailor their best properties like strength and modulus of the reinforcement, and ductility and toughness of the matrix. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with micro/nanoparticles are widely used in several engineering application, i.e., aerospace, aviation, and arms structural components, due to their high specific strength, high fracture toughness, high thermal conductivity, better abrasion resistance, enhanced corrosion resistance, and other features [1,2]. Among PRMMCs, aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) are extensively used owing to their good mechanical performance, which depends on the content, shape, size, and dispersion of the reinforcing particles [3,4]. Damage can initiate and propagate macro-cracks leading to the failure of their structures. In the analysis of damage behavior of PRMMCs, experimental testing may not predict the onset of each failure mode or the required applied strain to initiate this mode

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