An estimation of three-dimensional finite element crystal geometry model for the strength prediction of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites

Particles reinforced metal matrix composites have higher specific modulus, higher specific strength, and better properties at elevated temperatures and better wear resistance than monolithic alloys. However, the discrepancy of the material properties between the reinforced particle, SiCp, and the matrix material, Al6061, makes some residual stresses inside of metal matrix composites. For example, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Al6061 is five times higher than that of SiCp. This work investigated SiCp/Al6061 composites at high temperatures in the microscopic viewpoint by three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element analysis and compares the analytical results with the experimental ones. The shape of particle is various and particles distribution is not homogeneous in experimental specimen. However, the theoretical model is not able to consider the non-uniform shape and heterogeneous distribution of particles. Therefore, it was assumed that the particle distribution is homogeneous and shape of particles is global and hexahedral. The types of particle distribution were three-simple-cubic array (SC array), face-centered cubic array (FCC array) and hexahedral array (HEX array).