FE Modeling of Continuous Fiber and Particle Reinforced Composites by Self-Consistent Embedded Cell Models

The limit flow stresses for transverse loading of metal matrix composites reinforced with continuous fibers and for uniaxial loading of spherical particle reinforced metal matrix composites are investigated by recently developed embedded cell models in conjunction with the finite element method. A fiber of circular cross section or a spherical particle is surrounded by a metal matrix, which is again embedded in the composite material with the mechanical behavior to be determined iteratively in a self-consistent manner. Stress-strain curves have been calculated for a number of metal matrix composites with the embedded cell method and verified with literature data of a particle reinforced Ag/58vol.%Ni composite and for a transversely loaded uniaxially fiber reinforced Al/46vol.%B composite. Good agreement has been obtained between experiment and calculation and the embedded cell model is thus found to represent well metal matrix composites with randomly arranged inclusions. Systematic studies of the mechanical behavior of fiber and particle reinforced composites are carried out with embedded cell models and conventional cell models. It is found that with increasing inclusion volume fractions there exist pronounced differences in composite strengthening between all models. Finally, a closed-form expression is derived to predict composite strengthening for regular and random inclusion arrangements.