Microstructure-based 3D finite element modeling of deformation and damage of (ZrB2+B4C)/6016Al hierarchical composites

In this study, the mechanical behavior, with dislocation "punched zone" (strengthened microzone by particles) emphasis on the damage mechanisms of (ZrB2+B4C)/6016Al hierarchical composites was studied by both experiments and finite element analysis. The experimental results show that the introduction of nanoparticles is an effective strategy to strengthen work hardening ability, as well as the tensile mechanical property of the hierarchical composites. Establishing the microstructure-based three-dimensional (3D) finite element model considered the reinforcement distribution and the dislocation "punched zone" of the matrix, which was identified by the nano-indentation test. The model was employed to reveal the deformation behavior and damage mechanism of the (ZrB2+B4C)/ 6016Al hierarchical composites by analyzing the stress and strain distributions. The elastoplastic response behavior simulation was conducted by changing the content of both reinforcements to accurately predict the composites' mechanical properties. This work proposes the strategy of introducing nano reinforcements to the unreinforced zone in traditional particle reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) to improve the microzone coordinated deformation as well as provides a reference for studying and optimizing the mechanical property of hierarchical composites via microstructure-based modeling.(c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).