A Finite Element Analysis on Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum/Magnesium Composite Plates

This work presents an experimental investigation and a finite element analysis on the mechanical behavior of aluminum/magnesium composite plates. First, the mechanical tests of the base alloys and the welding joint of the composites were conducted, and the stress-cycle curve with a survival rate was obtained. Second, the failure mode was analyzed and its fracture mechanism of such composites was analyzed. Third, the load spectrum was converted to the stress spectra at the key positions for the body of a typical transportation vehicle fabricated using the materials. Finally, the fatigue life of such a body was calculated based on the finite element analysis, and the fatigue life showed much longer than the design life of base materials. The present study therefore provides a very practical methodology for potential applications in various industrial aspects such as civil and electrical engineering, and in particular, structural control, safety monitoring, and fault diagnosis.