TY - JOUR
T1 - Actual microstructure-based modeling and failure evolution of SiC and SiC+B₄C reinforced Al matrix composites
AU - Baig, Mirza Muhammad Abu Bakar
AU - Wang, Yangwei
AU - Li, Guoju
AU - Bhatti, Tahir Mehmood
AU - Jamal, Saeed
AU - Shehzadi, Fatima
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Elsevier B.V.
PY - 2025/3/15
Y1 - 2025/3/15
N2 - The integration of actual microstructure-based modeling is essential for advancing the properties of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites. Two reinforced composites, Al/SiC and Al/SiC+B₄C, were utilized in the current study to simulate the actual microstructure and analyze their damage evolution and failure behavior. The model integrates key aspects, specifically particle distribution and morphology, along with traction-separation interface debonding, metal matrix fracture, and brittle damage of ceramic particles. The simulation findings demonstrate that the model accurately predicts the composite's performance and effectively reveals its damage mechanisms. The analysis indicates that the effective diameter of irregular particles significantly impacts the shape factors, with increase in diameter leading to higher aspect ratio and circularity. The geometrical variation and particle clustering cause localized stress concentrations at sharp corners and interfaces, leading to crack initiation and damage evolution. The hybrid Al/SiC+B₄C composite exhibited a notable enhancement in tensile strength of 299.3 MPa as compared to 279.6 MPa for Al/SiC, however this improvement in strength was accompanied by a 37 % reduction in ductility. The simulated results closely align with the experimental data, with an error of ∼2 %, confirming the accuracy of the developed model. This study establishes a foundation for understanding the failure mechanisms of composites using microstructure-based modeling and provides insights for optimizing design and mechanical performance.
AB - The integration of actual microstructure-based modeling is essential for advancing the properties of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites. Two reinforced composites, Al/SiC and Al/SiC+B₄C, were utilized in the current study to simulate the actual microstructure and analyze their damage evolution and failure behavior. The model integrates key aspects, specifically particle distribution and morphology, along with traction-separation interface debonding, metal matrix fracture, and brittle damage of ceramic particles. The simulation findings demonstrate that the model accurately predicts the composite's performance and effectively reveals its damage mechanisms. The analysis indicates that the effective diameter of irregular particles significantly impacts the shape factors, with increase in diameter leading to higher aspect ratio and circularity. The geometrical variation and particle clustering cause localized stress concentrations at sharp corners and interfaces, leading to crack initiation and damage evolution. The hybrid Al/SiC+B₄C composite exhibited a notable enhancement in tensile strength of 299.3 MPa as compared to 279.6 MPa for Al/SiC, however this improvement in strength was accompanied by a 37 % reduction in ductility. The simulated results closely align with the experimental data, with an error of ∼2 %, confirming the accuracy of the developed model. This study establishes a foundation for understanding the failure mechanisms of composites using microstructure-based modeling and provides insights for optimizing design and mechanical performance.
KW - Damage evolution
KW - Failure mechanisms
KW - Finite element method
KW - Microstructure-based model
KW - Particulate-reinforced Al matrix composites
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85219112726&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.179365
DO - 10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.179365
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85219112726
SN - 0925-8388
VL - 1020
JO - Journal of Alloys and Compounds
JF - Journal of Alloys and Compounds
M1 - 179365
ER -