Microstructure-based modeling and evaluation of dynamic behaviors of SiC_p/2024Al composites

Using the information of image processing and recognition, a microstructure-based finite element model (FEM) is established to evaluate the dynamic properties of SiC_p/2024Al composites at strain rates ranging from 200 to 14 000 s^-1. In the microstructure-based model, the irregular SiC particles are randomly distributed in the metal matrix. The results show that the flow stress of SiC_p/2024Al composites with low particle volume fraction increases firstly to a maximum value and then decreases with the increasing of strain rate during adiabatic compression. The probable reason for the reduction of flow stress is that the inner damage and the heat softening of composites play a key role in the dynamic behavior of SiC_p/2024Al composites at higher strain rates. Moreover, the configurations of SiC particles have dominate influence on the dynamical behavior of SiC_p/2024Al composites. In particular, in cases of smaller strain (less than 0.62), the angular particles have better strengthening effect than those of circle particles, however, in contrast, the strengthening effect of circle particles is more remarkable.