Numerical simulation of the effect of particle spatial distribution and strength on tensile behavior of particle reinforced composites

The spatial distribution of reinforcement particles significantly influences the tensile behavior of particle reinforced composites. In this study, we have modeled the effect of particle clustering in a model metal matrix composite, SiC particle reinforced Al. The SiC particles were modeled as purely elastic, while the Al matrix was modeled as elastic-plastic. To study the effect of particle distribution, the SiC particles were represented as two-dimensional circular particles of uniform diameter. Three particle distributions - ordered, random, and clustered were evaluated. The degree of particle clustering was quantified using the coefficient of variance of the mean near-neighbor distance method. The evolution of damage by particle fracture was included in the model. The cases for (a) all SiC particles having uniform fracture strength and (b) variable fracture strength were considered (using a Weibull distribution in strength). The effects of particle distribution were elucidated and are discussed.