Fracture analysis of particulate metal matrix composite using x-ray tomography and extended finite element method (Xfem)

Particle reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer high strength, low density, and high stiffness, while maintaining reasonable cost. The damage process in these MMCs starts with either the fracture of particles or by the de-cohesion of the particle-matrix interfaces. In this study, the extended finite elements method (XFEM) has been used in conjunction with X-ray synchrotron tomography to study fracture mechanisms in these materials under tensile loading. The initial 3D reconstructed microstructure from X-ray tomography has been used as a basis for the XFEM to simulate the damage in the 20 vol.% SiC particle reinforced 2080 aluminum alloy composite when tensile loading is applied. The effect of mesh sensitivity on the Weibull probability has been studied based on a single sphere and several particles with realistic geometries. Additionally, the effect of shape and volume of particles on the Weibull fracture probability was studied. The evolution of damage with the applied traction has been evaluated using simulation and compared with the experimental results obtained from in situ tensile testing.