Microstructure-based Simulation of Plastic Deformation Behavior of SiC Particle Reinforced Al Matrix Composites

This article, in order to unearth the deformation mechanism of particle reinforced metal matrix composites, establishes a finite element model (FEM) based on the actual microstructures. It finds out and analyzes the distribution of von Mises effective stress, strain and the maximum principal stress in the matrix and particles. Moreover, the overall stress and strain in the matrix and composites are calculated. By comparison, a tiny discrepancy exists between the experimental results and the simulation with respect to flow stresses. The effects of deformation parameters, such as temperature and strain rate, on the strengthening mechanism are explored and proved to be weak.