Author(s)

A. Sreeranganathan, H. Singh & A. M. Gokhale

Abstract

Finite element based simulations of micro-mechanical response are performed on computer simulated microstructures of discontinuously reinforced aluminium matrix composites that incorporate realistic complex particle morphologies/shapes, spatially non-uniform distribution of particles and anisotropic particle orientations. The simulated microstructure encompasses an area of 1.44mm2 and contains over ten thousand particles. The results are compared with those for real microstructures to validate the simulation model. Large-area high-resolution montage digital images are used for finite element analysis of real microstructures. The simulated microstructure is shown to be statistically similar to the corresponding real microstructure, and has global as well as local constitutive properties comparable to that of real microstructure. Keywords: composites, optical imaging, continuum methods. 1 Introduction Correlation of material microstructures with their macroscopic properties is of fundamental importance to materials scientists for understanding the vast spectrum of existing materials as well as for developing new materials. Material microstructures, often a complex ensemble of defects and multiple phases resulting from the processing of the material, directly affect the properties and thereby, the usability of the material. Accordingly, quantitative characterization and modelling of microstructures are becoming increasingly important due to the

Keywords

composites, optical imaging, continuum methods.