Predictions of cracking mode and hardening behavior of MMC via FEM

Finite element analyses were carried out to study the stress distribution in particulate Al2O3-reinforced Al metal–matrix composites subjected to external compressive and tensile load as a function of the interfacial bonding strength. Unit cells containing hard particles with either weak or rigid interfaces in the multi-linear kinematic hardening matrix were used to determine the corresponding flow strength. The effect of the interfacial strength on the flow response in tension and compression was also examined. The predictions of the cracking mode and hardening behavior based on FEM analyses were found to be in reasonable agreement with observations in 5083Al–10vol.% Al2O3 and Al–5Mg–10vol.% Al2O3 composites.