The aim of this study is to investigate the microscopic fracture process in titanium metal matrix composites (TiMMC) shafts based on finite element (FE) analysis. A unit cell approach is used as a tool to design a representative volume element to explain the complex failure phenomenon on a microscopic level. FE mesh convergence is examined and validated with the equivalent plastic strain and contact pressure. The accuracy of the numerical modelling is verified by comparison with experimental investigations on fractured TiMMC shafts. The results show that FE modelling can successfully analyse the complicated fracture process that occurs on a microscopic scale of TiMMC shafts.
ElanchezhianCVijaya RamnathBRamakrishnanG, et al. Review on metal matrix composites for marine applications. Mater Today2018; 5: 1211–1218.
2.
HayatMDSinghHHeZ, et al. Titanium metal matrix composites: an overview. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf2019; 121: 418–438.
3.
FengGYangY.Improvement of interfacial compatibility of SiCf/Ti-6Al-4V composites by applying fiber coating and heat treatment. Mater Des2021; 210: 110042.
4.
FengGHYangYQLuoX, et al. Fatigue properties and fracture analysis of a SiC fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite. Compos Part B Eng2015; 68: 336–342.
5.
KongXWangYMZhangX, et al. Monitoring damage evolution in a titanium matrix composite shaft under torsion loading using acoustic emission. Acta Metall Sin2019; 32: 1244–1252.
6.
WangMJHuangHLiH, et al. Microstructure and interfacial strength of SiC fiber-reinforced Ti17 alloy composites with different consolidation temperatures. Rare Met2018; 37: 759–768.
7.
NiuXLiuYChenX, et al. Growth behavior of short fatigue cracks in a unidirectional SiC fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite under spectrum loading. Theor Appl Fract Mech2021; 114: 102980.
8.
SunWSunZLuQ, et al. Fatigue hysteresis loops simulation of SiCf /Ti composites under two-stage cyclic loading. Appl Compos Mater2019; 26: 1041–1057.
9.
HydeTHPunyongKBeckerAA.Experimental failure investigation for a titanium metal matrix composite with+45 degrees and +/- 45 degrees fibre orientations. Proc IMechE, Part L: J Materials: Design and Applications2015; 229: 51–63.
10.
WarrierSGMajumdarBSMiracleDB.Interface effects on crack deflection and bridging during fatigue crack growth of titanium matrix composites. Acta Mater1997; 45: 4969–4980.
11.
WarrierSGRangaswamyPBourkeMAM, et al. Assessment of the fiber/matrix interface bond strength in SiC/Ti-6Al-4V composites. Mater Sci Eng A1999; 259: 220–227.
12.
YuZZhangJShenJ, et al. Simulation of crack propagation behavior of nuclear graphite by using XFEM, VCCT and CZM methods. Nucl Mater Energy2021; 29: 101063.
13.
BonoraNRuggieroA.Micromechanical modeling of composites with mechanical interface - Part 1: Unit cell model development and manufacturing process effects. Compos Sci Technol2006; 66: 314–322.
14.
McWilliamsBDibelkaJYenCF.Multi scale modeling and characterization of inelastic deformation mechanisms in continuous fiber and 2D woven fabric reinforced metal matrix composites. Mater Sci Eng A2014; 618: 142–152.
15.
AghdamMMFalahatgarSRGorjiM.Micromechanical consideration of interface damage in fiber reinforced Ti-alloy under various combined loading conditions. Compos Sci Technol2008; 68: 3406–3411.
16.
QingH.Micromechanical study of influence of interface strength on mechanical properties of metal matrix composites under uniaxial and biaxial tensile loadings. Comput Mater Sci2014; 89: 102–113.
17.
HydeTHPunyongKBeckerAA.Elasto-plastic finite element analysis of titanium metal matrix composite shafts under torsional loading. J Strain Anal Eng Des2015; 50: 199–216.
