Finite-Element Modeling of Particle Size Effect on Mechanical Properties of SiCp/Fe Composites

Particle size has a significant effect on mechanical properties of particle reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs). Here, the effect of particle size on mechanical properties of SiCp/Fe composite has been studied using a finite element (FE) model incorporated with the Taylor-based nonlocal theory (TNT) of plasticity, where the tested particle size is 5, 10, 16, 21, 28 and 40μm, respectively. The results indicate that the TNT-FE model overcomes the shortage of the traditional FE model, which cannot deal with the intrinsic size effect. With the particles of 20 vol.%, the simulated flow stress of the iron matrix composite reinforced by 16μm SiC particles is the highest and then follows the order of 28 > 5 > 10 > 21 > 40μm particle reinforced ones, close to the tendency of experimental results. A large area of compressive stress zone is observed in the matrix near the particles in the composites reinforced by 16 and 28μm particles, which implies that the matrix can be well protected during loading, so that the load-bearing capability is better. The purpose is to optimize mechanical property of SiCp/Fe composite by adjusting particle size and eventually to design PRMMCs from microstructural control.