Microstructure-based deformation and fracture modeling of particulate reinforced composites with ordinary state-based peridynamic theory

The aim of this study is to develop a microstructure-based peridynamic (PD) model to predict the elastic-plastic deformation and fracture mechanism of the particulate reinforced composites. The developed state-based PD model is validated against the previous experimental study on the aluminum matrix reinforced by Sic particles. Three representative volume elements (RVEs) are extracted from a scanning electron microscope image by image processing, and the particle morphology is investigated. Methods are proposed to assign boundary conditions and allocate material properties to matrix/particle interface regions and calculate the surface correction in the PD computational framework for the particulate composites. Two different loading paths are simulated (loading and loading-unloading-reloading). Distribution of residual stress and residual plastic strain are obtained after unloading. Before damage initiation, the stresses in the particles, especially at the sharp corners, are relatively higher than in the matrix. The particle, matrix, and interface damage are detected in the analysis. Damage initiation occurs in narrow particles and matrices sandwiched by particles. The initiated microcracks are propagated and coalesce to make the principal crack, and the final fracture occurs by the propagation of the principal crack. It is found that the proposed model can accurately predict the main deformation and damage behavior of particulate composites.