Simulation of tension-compression hysteresis loop of an unidirectionally SiC fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite

Abstract

ABSTRACT An approach to simulate the hysteresis loops of an unidirectionally SiC fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite during tension-compression(T-C) fatigue loading has been developed in this paper. The T-C fatigue process of one cycle was divided into four stages of tension loading (TL), tension unloading (TU), compression loading (CL) and compression unloading (CU). It is assumed that fiber sliding relative to matrix occurs in the whole interfacial debonding area during TL. And there exists a closure stage of matrix crack during CL. Based on the BHE model, the stress–strain relationships during four stages have been derived. By combining the experimental normalized stiffness with the stress–strain relationship during TL, the average matrix crack spacing during various cycles are obtained. Combining the matrix cracking evolution law with another two damage evolution laws, the fatigue hysteresis loops of various cycles under T-C fatigue loading have been acquired. The theoretical results have been compared with experimental data of an unidirectionally SiC fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite. And the effects of different damages on the hysteresis loops of TMCs have been investigated.