Abstract
The computational simulation method of micro-mechanical behavior in metal matrix composites containing short fibers is studied to predict the macroscopic nonlinear stress-strain relationship of the metal matrix composites. Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis is developed for two kinds of periodic array of the fiber distributions. Then, we also take account of the residual stresses in the composites, which are due to the difference of thermal expansion coefficients of fiber and metal matrix. After the validity of the computational simulation method is examined with the experimental results of a SiC particle reinforced 6061 aluminum alloy composite, the effects of the arrangement, volume fraction and aspect ratio of fibers, and the residual stresses on the macroscopic stress-strain relationship of a SiC whisker reinforced 6061 aluminum alloy composite at room temperature are clarified quantitatively.
