A comprehensive study work on the simulation of Interface Characteristics of Silicon Carbide Particles Reinforced Aluminum Composites.
Summary
As the demand for metal matrix composites (MMCs) with high mechanical performance and isotropic properties continues to rise, numerous researchers have conducted experiments on aluminum-based composites. This study establishes a model to comprehend the interface behavior of aluminum-based composites reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) particles. The mechanical impact of SiC particles on SiC/aluminum composite properties depends on particle volume fraction, distribution, size, and the critical reinforcement/matrix interface. Extracting interface characteristics is crucial for predicting composite failure mechanisms. This study aims to explore various interface properties between SiC particles and the aluminum matrix, with particular attention to particle shape’s influence. Nanomechanical experiments were conducted to extract composite mechanical properties, followed by validation through finite element simulation.
随着对金属基复合材料的需求不断增加，以及高力学性能和各向同性的要求，许 多研究人员对铝基复合材料进行了实验。本研究建立了模型来了解碳化硅(SiC)颗粒增强 铝基复合材料的界面行为。碳化硅颗粒对碳化硅/铝复合材料力学性能的影响取决于颗 粒的体积分数，分布和大小, 同时也取决于显著影响复合材料特性的增强体/基体界面。 因此，提取界面特征是至关重要的，它让我们能够预测复合材料的失效机理。 本研究的目的是探讨碳化硅颗粒和铝基体之间不同的界面特性。 我们将特别关注 颗粒形状对复合材料性能的影响。运用纳米压痕实验来获取复合材料的机械性能，并用 有限元数值模拟对实验结果进行验证。在构建颗粒/基体界面压痕模型的过程中，涉及 到不同复合界面的几何学以及不同铝基体材料的模拟。在实验和模拟部分，分别对 4 种 具有不同屈服强度的基体进行测试:纯 Al, Al6061, Al2A14 和 Al2024 。针对每一种复合 材料，提取铝和碳化硅界面附近的硬度和模量，结果显示复合材料的硬度和模量对颗粒 形状和基体性质具有强烈依赖。最后，数值模型与纳米压痕实验结果的拟实更证明上述 结果的精确性。
Metal Matrix Composites and Background
A metal matrix composite (MMC) is a material comprising at least two constituents, one being a metal and the other possibly a different metal, ceramic, or organic compound. MMCs are extensively used in aerospace due to their exceptional mechanical properties and isotropy. This study aligns with the trend of MMC research and focuses on silicon carbide particles reinforced aluminum composites, emphasizing their interface properties.
Nanoindentation Process
Nanoindentation is a material characterization technique that assesses modulus and microhardness at the nanoscale. The indentation test involves applying load using a tip of various shapes (e.g., Berkovich, spherical, conical) and recording indentation depth and load to calculate material properties.
Experimentation
- SiCparticule nanoindentation process
Nanoindentation experiments were conducted on aluminum matrix composites with various matrices: Pure Al, Al6061, Al2A14, and Al2024. Results showed that modulus and hardness at the particle-matrix interface strongly depend on the matrix nature, particularly its yield stress. Variations in hardness and modulus are linked to the angle formed between the particle and the matrix. Experimental results were summarized as follows:
| Matrix | Modulus (GPa) | Hardness (GPa) |
|---|---|---|
| Al2024 | [200; 400] | [13; 41] |
| 2A14 | [200; 400] | [13; 38] |
| Al6061 | [150; 300] | [13; 38] |
| Pure Al | [80; 150] | [2; 15] |
Simulation
- Simulation
A 3D model was developed using the Python Abaqus library to simulate the nanoindentation process. The model used a C3D8 mesh for efficient computation time and accurate results. Corrections were applied to matrices’ yield strength and cohesive surfaces to match experimental outcomes. The model revealed a correlation between particle angle and mechanical properties, with spherical particles exhibiting higher properties.
Results
- Load-displacement curves
Load-displacement curves for various interface angles were analyzed and compared between experiments and simulations. An increase in the angle between the particle and matrix correlated with higher modulus and hardness. Differences between experimental and simulated results were attributed to tip bluntness, geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs), and grain orientation.