FEM analysis of energy dissipation in particulate reinforced MMCS

Abstract

In the present study, the damping coefficient of particulate reinforced magnesium matrix is predicted using micro-mechanical modelling approach. This technique is based on finite element analysis of an axisymmetric unit-cell model with spherical reinforcing particulates. The effects of matrix plasticity and residual stresses on the damping capacity of the composite are calculated. Results confirm the presence of residual plastic strain accumulating at the interface of the metal matrix and ceramic reinforcement arising due to thermal mismatch, during cooling from extrusion temperature to room temperature. The damping behavior of the metal matrix composite is predicted under a harmonic load by including the viscous behaviour of the residual plastic strain in to account. Results show that the damping capacity of the composite depends on the strain amplitude. To demonstrate the accuracy of the prediction, results were compared against experimental measurements conducted on samples of Mg reinforced with SiC particulates.