Numerical and experimental investigations of the global and local behaviour of an Al(6061)/Al2O3 metal matrix composite under low cycle fatigue

Abstract The deformation behaviour of an Al(6061)/Al2O3 metal matrix composite was experimentally and numerically investigated under low cycle fatigue. The deformation behaviour,fatigue damage initiation and development are studied on the specimen surface and in the bulk material. The three-dimensional FE model based on tomographic data has been created and loaded step by step up to 100 cycles.For the simulation of the Al(6061) matrix behaviour aChaboche-type model has been used. The numerical results indicate that stress and strain concentrations in the microstructure can be responsible for the formation of extrusions and intrusions and subsequently for the crack formation.