Computational modeling of metal matrix composite materials-I. Isothermal deformation patterns in ideal microstructures

The mechanical behavior of particulate reinforced metal composites, in particular an SiC reinforced Al-3 wt% Cu model system, was analyzed numerically. The Computational micromechanics approach was taken, i.e. a detailed representation of microstructure in which the material was characterized by a finite deformation, thermo-elastic-viscoplastic crystallographic theory. Individual matrix grains and reinforcing particles were represented, in the context of two dimenssional repeating unit cell models. The performance of the microstructure under variation in microstructural parameters such as (1) reinforcement volume fraction, (2) morphology and (3) matrix strain hardening properties was investigated, as was the effect of change in loading state. In this, the first in a series of four articles, the isothermal microstructural deformation behavior is examined in detail. Localization of plastic deformation is seen to be a natural part of the deformation process and evolves according to patterns, which develop from the onset of yield and are determined for the most part by the positions of the reinforcing particles. This is in contrast to the microscale behavior of single phase polycrystals where deformation patterns only emerge at larger overall strains. Localization intensity depends strongly on reinforcement volume fraction and morphology and less significantly on matrix hardening properties. Results for tensile and compressive loading histories are compared showing differences that depend on particle position and finite geometry changes during deformation.