Compressive mechanical response of an aluminum matrix composite reinforced with deformable AlFeCrTi

This study investigates the mechanical response and microstructure evolution of an aluminum matrix composite reinforced with deformable AlFeCrTi under compressive behavior. Under compressive loading, compared with the as-prepared microstructure, stress gradually accumulates at the interface between the matrix and the composite. However, the AlFeCrTi particles undergo plastic deformation, with the aspect ratio increasing from 1.0 to 2.4 with applied strain, demonstrating a good ability to accommodate deformation. Experimental results show that the composite reaches a peak stress of 490.6 MPa, which is higher than the respective peak stresses of the corresponding reinforcement and matrix. The deformable reinforcement in the metal matrix composite synergistically enhances the peak compressive strength of both the reinforcement and the matrix. CPFE simulation indicates that the deformable reinforcement is the main source of strength in the composite, while the matrix, which has better plasticity, accommodates more deformation and delays damage softening.