Micro-Mechanical Damage Analysis of Al-TiC Particulate Reinforced Composites by Peridynamic Theory

The aim of this study is microstructure modeling and deformation and damage analysis of aluminum-based metal matrix reinforced by Tic particles by using the Peridynamic theory and experiment. The particulate composite was fabricated by mixing aluminum and TiC powder and then the mixture was hot-extruded. Tensile tests were carried out to validate the Peridynamic model. Four representative volume elements were extracted from surface images of specimens. The location of Particles in the matrix was obtained by image processing. Due to restrictions on bond-based Peridynamic, state-based Peridynamic was utilized for modeling. Overall stress-strain curve, the destitution of equivalent stress and plastic strain, distribution of damage parameter, the total plastic stretch of all interactions, and the number of damaged interactions were used to analyze the results. At matrix surrounded by particles, matrix/particle interface, and narrow particles stress concentration were detected. The damage was initiated at these regions, but the damage was mostly propagated in matrix and matrix/particle interfaces. In the loading process, several damage mechanisms were initiated and propagated, and finally, a principal crack was created that led to the final fracture. By comparing scanning electron microscope images of the fractured surface, modeling, and experimental result, it is shown that the developed Peridynamic model can precisely predict the progressive damage behavior of particulate composites.