Micromechanical Finite Element Analysis of Particulate—Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

This research is concerned with the application of micromechanical finite element analysis to investigate the deformation behaviour of particulate—reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs). A three—dimensional unit cell from simple cubic packing as an idealisation of real composites with randomly distributed reinforcing particles in the matrix has been carried out. In the present project, the particulate in the unit cell is assumed rigid and spherical for simplicity. The cubic cell established has been employed for modelling the deformation of AA606 1 /SiCp at 15% and 20% volume fractions under the uniaxial tensile load. The nominal stress—strain relationship obtained from analysis has shown that the inclusion of a reinforcing phase improves both the stiffness and the strength of PRMMCS, as compared to the unreinforced material. The contour plots of the Mises stress and the equivalent plastic strain fields within the unit cell obtained from the present modelling have shown good agreements with results obtained by other researchers.

Keywords : Micromechanical FEA / Simple Cubic Unit Cell Model / AA6061 /SiCp / Rigid and Spherical Particles