Finite element numerical analysis of tensile stress field in short fiber reinforced metal matrix composite

The tensile stress field distribution in short fiber reinforced metal matrix composite was investigated by using the large strain two-dimension axisymmetric elastoplastic finite element method. It was shown that the stress distributions in the matrix and fiber as well as the plastic behavior of the matrix are of significant non-homogeneity. The material parameters (fiber volume fraction, fiber aspect ratio, fiber end distance and matrix strain hardening coefficient) affect the stress field distribution in different ways through their influence on the stress transfer, the constrained matrix deformation and matrix strain hardening.