On the effect of particle shape and orientation on elastic properties of metal matrix composites

In this investigation, an aluminum alloy, Al 2124-T6, matrix composite containing alumina particles is examined. Both a standard mechanical approach and the homogenization method are employed to calculate effective elastic material constants. A periodic cubic array of particles is assumed leading to three-dimensional finite element analyses. Effective elastic properties are determined. The ceramic particles are assumed to be of four shapes: spherical, cylindrical, cubic and rectangular parallelepiped. For the latter two particles, the effect of particle orientation is examined. These lead to a lack of symmetry which produce effective elastic constants which are not usually observed. Rectangular parallelepiped particles appear to produce some benefits for effective axial elastic moduli. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.