Effect of particle orientation anisotropy on the tensile behavior of metal matrix composites: experiments and microstructure-based simulation

Deformation processing of particle reinforced metal matrix composites induces preferential orientation of the reinforcement particles. Thus, the orientation anisotropy of the reinforcement will strongly influence the mechanical behavior of the composite. In this study, the effect of reinforcement orientation anisotropy on the mechanical behavior of extruded 2080 Al matrix composite was examined. Microstructure characterization showed a preferred orientation of the reinforcement particles parallel to the extrusion axis, although the degree of orientation decreased with increasing reinforcement volume fraction. Young's modulus and tensile strength in the longitudinal orientation (parallel to the extrusion axis) were higher than that in the transverse orientation (perpendicular to the extrusion axis). The particle orientation-induced changes in stress-strain behavior were modeled using a microstructure-based finite element method approach, yielding good agreement with experimental results. The relationship between tensile behavior of the composites, especially elastic modulus, to the degree of anisotropy in orientation of the reinforcement particles is discussed.