Finite element analysis of the thermal residual stresses of SiC particle reinforced aluminum composite

In the present work, the finite element analysis was employed to study the distribution and level of thermal residual stress generated in aluminum matrix reinforced with silicon carbide particles. The effect of particle spacing, particle volume fraction, particles interaction and particle shape on the level of residual stress were investigated. The level of internal stresses as well as the particle size was increased with an increase in the temperature. The matrix/particle interface was evaluated as a criterion for residual stress measurements. The results show that a low volume fraction of SiC resulted in a low amount of residual stress and in a strong level in particle. By contrast, a high volume fraction of SiC exhibited an opposite effect. Besides, the distribution of SiC particles in matrix affects the amount and the gradient of generated internal stresses. For example, the distribution of the internal stresses and their intensity, influenced by the interparticle spacing, exhibited a great effect on the durability of the produced composite. Also, the shape of particles showed a significant influence on the level and distribution of residual stresses. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.