Abstract
A fracture mechanics-based numerical simulation of a crack propagating under mode I loading through discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) is presented. Microcrack initiation due to debonding and breakage of reinforcements, shielding and antishielding effects caused by both microcracks and the reinforcements, the effect of crack deflection, and growing crack singularity are considered in the calculation of local crack tip driving forces. Statistical variations of spatial distribution and strength of the reinforcements are also considered. The essential feature of the model is to predict crack initiation toughness and crack path morphologies using a mixed-mode crack propagation criterion. Application of the program to predict crack growth behavior in an SiC whisker/Al alloy composite is presented. Microcracking far ahead of the tip of a main crack, crack deflection toward the microcracks, and subsequent incorporation of the microcracks which most affect the main crack are well simulated. The predicted microcrack distribution and variation of mixed-mode crack tip driving forces with crack growth are also evaluated.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2149-2157 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Metals and Alloys