Finite element analysis of effect of particle alignment on deformation behaviour of metal matrix composite.

The goal of this work is to determine the role of the particulate alignment on the overall elastic-plastic behaviour of metal matrix composites. Composite was assumed to be 3D infinite periodic array of particulate embedded in the matrix. Particulate were modeled as spherical. Models with transversely aligned and staggered particle distributions were used. The effect of particle alignment on the overall stress-strain behaviours of the composites are followed through unit cells having different aspect ratios. The difference in the stress-strain behaviour of models shows clearly that the ratio of the particle diameter to the distance between nearest neighbour particles can represent the effect of distribution geometry.