Microstructure-based Computer Simulation and Mechanical Modeling of Particle-reinforced Composites

A new methodology is presented for three-dimensional (3D) computer simulations of realistic microstructures of particle-reinforced composites, through its application to the aluminum matrix composites reinforced with realistic complex SiC particles of highly variable and irregular angular geometries. It is followed by a finite element modeling for the microscopic and macroscopic mechanical behavior of the composites. Comparison is drawn between the stress-strain curves obtained from the microstructure-based model, simplified-particle (spheres and ellipsoids) model and available experiment data, respectively. Results show that the microstructure-based model is more accurate in predicting and understanding macroscopic and microscopic material behavior. The methodology is sufficiently general and flexible to represent the virtual complex microstructures of the composites via different combinations of process parameters. It is particularly important for the property prediction and design.