Comparison between current models for the strength of particulate-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites with emphasis on consideration of Hall–Petch effect

There are several modeling methods available for predicting the strength of metal matrix nanocomposites. Among these, Zhang and Chen approach and Clyne method predict closer results to experimental values. However, in Zhang and Chen method, the effect of Hall–Petch strengthening is neglected which results in less precision of the results. In this study, the effects of all active strengthening mechanisms including Hall–Petch, Orowan, CTE mismatch and load bearing are considered, by using Clyne approach. The results are in good agreement with experimental data and more precise than those from other models. Furthermore, studies on different strengthening mechanisms showed that Hall–Petch strengthening mechanism is the most important factor, which should not be neglected even in micro-scale grain size.

► Current models for strength of MMNCs are evaluated and the results are compared.
► Modified Clyne method is developed by consideration of all strengthening mechanisms.
► The results are more precise than other methods and closer to experimental data.
► Hall–Petch strengthening effect is the most important factor even in micro scale.
► Hall–Petch effect depends more on the volume fraction and less on the particle size.