Interfacial effects on the strengthening behavior of metal matrix composite reinforced with SiC particles

The interface in a metal matrix composite was modeled using finite element method to study the effect of interface on the metal matrix composite, such as interface thickness and stiffness. The finite element model was established based on the actual microstructure, including the modeling without interface, the modeling with interface and the modeling with connective interface. In the analysis, the special attention was put on the distribution of mises in matrix, interface and particles. The results show that under the soft interface, the influence of interface thickness on the mechanical behavior is not distinct, while under the strong interface, the influence of interface thickness on the mechanical behavior is obvious. The intensity of metal matrix composite increases with the increasing interface modulus, but the extent of increase is decided by the modulus matching between interface and matrix.