Average phase stress concentrations in multiphase metal matrix composites under compressive loading

We develop a model to predict average over individual phases stress concentrations in a multiphase metal matrix composite under compressive loading. The model accounts for matrix plasticity through variation of the shear modulus with applied stress and for fracture of filler through change in the shape of the particles. Three micromechanical models are compared – non interaction approximation, Mori–Tanaka–Benveniste (MTB) scheme, and Maxwell scheme. Comparison with the experimental measurements of Cabeza et al. (2016) shows that Maxwell scheme generally predicts the stress concentration with satisfactory accuracy. Results of MTB scheme vary depending on the loading case and ignoring of the interaction leads to substantial overestimation of the stresses.