In order to reduce the thermal stress in high chromium cast iron (HCCI) matrix composites reinforced by zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic particles, finite element simulation is performed to optimize the geometrical configuration of ceramics perform. The previous model simplifies the overall structure of the ceramic particle preform and adds boundary conditions to simulate the particles, which will cause uncontrollable error in the results. In this work, the equivalent grain models are used to describe the actual preform, making the simulation results closer to the actual experimental results. The solidification process of composite material is simulated and the infiltration between molten iron and ceramic particles was realized. Thermal stress in solidification process and compression stress distribution are obtained. The results show that adding 10mm round holes on the preform can improve the performance of the composite, which is helpful to prevent the cracks and increases the plasticity of the material.

In order to reduce the thermal stress in high chromium cast iron (HCCI) matrix composites reinforced by zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic particles, finite element simulation is performed to optimize the geometric configuration of ceramics perform. The previous model simplifies the overall structure of the ceramic particle preform and adds boundary conditions to simulate the particles, which will cause uncontrollable error in the results. In this work, the equivalent grain models are used to describe the actual preform, making the simulation results closer to the actual experimental results. The solidification process of composite material is simulated, and the infiltration between molten iron and ceramic particles is realized. Thermal stress in solidification process and compression stress distribution are obtained. The results show that adding 10-mm round holes on the preform can improve the performance of the composite, which is helpful to prevent the cracks and increases the plasticity of the material.