Numerical Determination of Damping in Metal Matrix Composites

Damping in metal matrix composites is mainly caused by inelastic matrix deformation induced by the great difference in the mechanical properties of the single constituents of the materials. In this study, the finite-element method in combination with a highly accurate material model is employed to examine the effects of both the fiber volume fraction and the external loading amplitude on the energy dissipation process in an Al/SiC composite under a cyclic mechanical load.