Constitutive model of metal matrix composites at high strain rates and its application

Abstract Particle reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) frequently undergo impact or shock loading during routine utilization. However, studies on the dynamic response of PRMMCs are currently insufficient compared with those on the quasistatic response. In this study, the multi-particle representative volume element (RVE) models were established to comprehensively investigate the influence of particle parameters (particle content and aspect ratio) on the dynamic behavior of PRMMCs, and a modified dynamic constitutive law was proposed to describe the dynamic mechanical behavior of PRMMCs more efficiently based on the concept of particle breakage probability. The verification results show that the dynamic stress–strain behaviors predicted by the RVE models agree better with the experimental data than those predicted by single-particle unit cell (RUC) models. Furthermore, the results predicted by the modified dynamic constitutive law agree well with the corresponding experimental data because the effect of particle breakage was included in the modified dynamic constitutive law. This paper provides the necessary guidance for the development and preparation of the particle reinforced metal matrix composites.