Damage analysis of the ceramic reinforced steel matrix composites sheets: Experimental and numerical study

Abstract

This paper reports damage analysis of TiB2 (ceramic particles) reinforced steel matrix composite sheets. This new steel composite receives much attention as potential structural materials due to their high specific strength and stiffness. The goal of the research described in this paper is to study the usage of this new steel family in the manufacture of light structures. Therefore, titanium diboride TiB2 reinforced steel matrix composite sheets were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopes after the mechanical tests carried out on the base metal and welded specimens under dynamic and static test conditions. However, the non homogeneity of the structure in this type of composites makes deeply complexity of their numerical and analytical modelling to predict their damage during the loading. For example, the interfaces essentially play a key role in determining mechanical and physical properties. A Finite Element (FEM) analysis is also used for modelling to simulate the macroscopic behaviour of this material, taking into account the relevant microscopic scales.