The present paper aims at computational simulations of particle reinforced Metal Matrix Composites as well as parts and specimens made thereof. An incremental Mori-Tanaka approach with isotropization of the matrix tangent operator is adopted. It is extended to account for large strains by means of co-rotational Cauchy stresses and logarithmic strains and is implemented into Finite Element Method software as constitutive material law. Periodic unit cell predictions in the finite strain regime are used to verify the analytical approach with respect to non-proportional loading scenarios and assumptions concerning finite strain localization. The response of parts made of Metal Matrix Composites is predicted by a multiscale approach based on these two micromechanical methods. Results for the mesoscopic stress and strain fields as well as the microfields are presented to demonstrate to capabilities of the developed methods.

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Computational predictions on the tribological behavior of metal matrix composites (MMCs) are carried out. The influence of particle volume fraction and clustering of particles is investigated at different length scales. Finite Element simulations are performed on unit cells utilizing approaches from the field of ‘continuum mechanics of materials’. Models are based on the work of Segurado et al. [1], who used homogeneous, randomly distributed inclusions in a matrix phase with 30% particle volume fraction. In addition, the present work introduces modified unit cells with 10% volume fraction, with both homogeneous random and clustered distribution (Fig. 1). These modifications are derived from the original cell by either randomly removing inclusions in the first case, or from a predefined area in the second case.