Investigation of the strengthening of particulate reinforced composites using different analytical and finite element models

A series of numerical meso-mechanical models for different kinds of particle (include spherical, cylindrical and discal) reinforced composites are developed to investigate the effect of microstructural parameters on the elastic properties of composites. In these models, an effective interface concept is adopted. Finite element models with prescribed and random parameters are automatically generated in ABAQUS PDE (Python Development Environment). In the simulative investigations, it is observed that the degree of particle clustering and particle’s shape have strong effects on the elastic mechanical properties of composites.

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Analysis of Crack-Tip Field of Particulate-Reinforced Composites Taking Account of Particle Size Effect and Debonding Damage

Key Engineering Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.452-453.625 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 452-453 ◽

pp. 625-628

Author(s):

Tomoyuki Fujii ◽

Keiichiro Tohgo ◽

Yu Itoh ◽

Daisuke Kato ◽

Yoshinobu Shimamura

Keyword(s):

Particle Size ◽

Size Effect ◽

Crack Tip ◽

Energy Criterion ◽

Particle Size Effect ◽

Reinforced Composites ◽

Crack Tip Field ◽

Damage Area ◽

Particulate Reinforced Composites ◽

Particulate Reinforced

This paper deals with an analysis of a crack-tip field of particulate-reinforced composites which can describe the evolution of debonding damage, matrix plasticity and particle size effect on deformation and damage. Numerical analyses were carried out on a crack-tip field in elastic-plastic matrix composites reinforced with elastic particles by using a finite element method developed based on an incremental damage theory. The particle size effect on damage is described by a critical energy criterion for particle-matrix interfacial debonding. The effect of debonding damage on a crack-tip field is discussed based on numerical results. The debonding damage initiates and progresses ahead of a crack-tip. The stress distribution shifts downward in the debonding damage area. It is concluded that a crack-tip field is strongly affected by debonding damage.

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Fluidity Evolution of an Al-10%B4C Metal Matrix Composite

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.546-549.605 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 546-549 ◽

pp. 605-610 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zhan Zhang ◽

X. Grant Chen ◽

André Charette

Keyword(s):

Metal Matrix ◽

Advanced Materials ◽

Matrix Composites ◽

Reinforced Composites ◽

Reaction Products ◽

Superior Mechanical Properties ◽

Electron Microscopes ◽

Particulate Reinforced Composites ◽

Particulate Reinforced ◽

Fluidity Test

Aluminum boron carbide particulate reinforced composites are advanced materials which have superior mechanical properties, and especially have the capability to capture neutrons. The liquid mixing process is one of the methods to produce economically and effectively the metal matrix composites. However, it was found that the fluidity of the composites was instable during liquid holding and casting. To examine the fluidity evolution over the time, the melt of an Al-10%B4C composite was hold at a constant temperature for a long period, and the fluidity was evaluated by means of a vacuum fluidity test. The microstructure of the fluidity test samples was examined by optical and electron microscopes. It is found that the interfacial reaction products between B4C and Al-matrix play an important role for the deterioration of the composite fluidity.

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