Numerical modelling of the compression behaviour of single-crystalline MAX-phase materials

In this article a numerical model to describe the mechanical behaviour of nanophased singlecrystalline Ti3SiC2 is proposed. The approach is a two dimensional finite element periodic unit cell consisting of an elastic matrix interlayered with shear deformable slip planes which obey the Hill's yield criterion. The periodic unit cell is used to predict compression material behaviour of Ti3SiC2 crystals with arbitrary slip plane orientations. Stress strain relationships are derived for Ti3SiC2, and the effect of slip plane volume fraction as well as orientation of the slip planes are investigated. The two main deformation mechanisms of the material namely; ordinary slip and so called kinking are considered in the study.