A computational approach for the constitutive modeling of elastoplastic behavior of metal matrix composites

Computational homogenization provides an excellent tool for the design of composite materials. In the current work, a computational approach is presented that is capable of estimating the elastic and rate-independent plastic constitutive behavior of metal matrix composites using finite element models of representative volume elements (RVEs) of the composite material. For this purpose, methodologies for the generation of three-dimensional computational microstructures, size determination of RVEs and the homogenization techniques are presented. Validation of the approach is carried out using aluminum-alumina composite samples prepared using sintering technique. Using the homogenized material response, effective constitutive models of the composite materials have been determined.