A nonlinear analysis interpretation of off-axis test results in metal matrix composites

Abstract

A unit-cell based micromechanics approach is used to perform nonlinear finite element analyses of off-axis tensile tests on an SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V composite. The results are used in predicting the global deformation response of the composite that includes the effect of fiber-matrix interface damage. The predictions are compared with laboratory test data of uniaxial off-axis specimens. Based on the comparison, it is found that the procedure effectively predicts global composite response with reasonable accuracy under a general multiaxial stress state.