Damage micromechanical analysis of metal matrix composites

Based on the secant modulus method and Weibull statistic law, a micromechanical analysis method has been advanced to model the matrix plastic deformation and particulate cracking for metal matrix composites during straining. The influences of the particulate mean size and its scatter on composite macroscopic behaviour were analysed. It is found that the particulate mean size play a key role in composite damage. The theoretical results for a SiC/Al composite agree well with the experimental ones in the literatures.