Particle fracture simulation in non-uniform microstructures of metal-matrix composites

This paper deals with the evolution of damage in microstructures of reinforced ductile-matrix composites, by particle cracking and splitting. A small deformation Voronoi Cell finite element model is developed, in which each element may consist of a matrix phase, an inclusion phase and a crack phase. Brittle inclusions may be of arbitrary shapes and sizes, and may be dispersed non-uniformly in the matrix. Damage initiation of inclusions is assumed to follow a maximum principal stress theory. Complete particle cracking or splitting is assumed at the onset of damage. The model is validated by a few comparison studies. Various geometric patterns are studied to test the effectiveness of the model, as well as to understand the effect of morphology on damage evolution. Actual microstructures from optical micrographs of Al-Si-Mg composite systems are analyzed and compared with experimentally observed results. Quantitative characterization and statistical analysis is conducted to correlate morphological parameters with mechanical response. (C) 1998 Acta Metallurgica Inc.