Effect of residual stresses on the stress intensity factor of cracks in a metal matrix composite: Numerical analysis

Abstract

In this work, the finite element method was used to determine the stress intensity factors as a function of crack propagation in metal matrix composite structure, A three-dimensional numerical model was developed to analyze the effect of the residual stresses induced in the fiber and in the matrix during cooling from the elaboration temperature at room temperature on the behavior out of the composite. Added to commissioning constraints, these internal stresses can lead to interfacial decohesion (debonding) or damage the matrix. This study falls within this context and allows cracks behavioral analysis initiated in a metal matrix composite reinforced by unidirectional fibers in ceramic. To do this, a three-dimensional numerical model was analyzed by method of finite element (FEM). This analysis is made according to several parameters such as the size of the cracking defects, its propagation, its interaction with the interface, the volume fraction of the fibers (the fiber-fiber interdistance), orientation of the crack and the temperature.