Numerical study of metal matrix nanocomposites using discrete dislocation approach

Abstract

Recent experiments show that reducing the size of reinforcement particles to the nanoscale dramatically improves the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs). While extensive numerical studies on the mechanical properties of conventional MMCs have been conducted, only a handful of such studies exist for metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs). Numerical simulations are useful for performing virtual experiments on MMNCs to explore effects which are currently difficult to investigate experimentally and to analyse the underlying processes that govern the mechanical response of these materials. In this study, the mechanical properties of MMNCs are investigated using two-dimensional discrete dislocation simulations implemented within a multi-particle representative volume element (RVE) approach. Numerical issues such as calibration of various parameters which describe dislocation processes and the suitable RVE sizes required for modelling of MMNCs are discussed. The effects of microstructural features, material properties of constituent phases, as well as inclusion and matrix damage are explored.