Formulation for zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) reinforced metal matrix composites based on a three-phase concentric inclusion model

In this paper, a model of a coated inhomogeneous circular inclusion concentrically embedded within a finite matrix is proposed, which is employed to analyze zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) reinforced metal matrix composites. The general solution is derived based on the equivalent eigenstrain principle and the superposition principle. Then, the model is used to study the influence of the thermal strains due to temperature changes on the stress distribution in the composite. Also, a particular composite, ZTA reinforced high chromium cast iron (HCCI), is exemplified, and the normalized stress distribution is given. In addition, the toughening mechanism associated with the transformation of zirconia is discussed. The above results help to estimate the stress level of ZTA reinforced metal composites. This three-phase concentric inclusion model is expected to be used to the structure design of composite materials.