Simple model for consolidation of metal matrix coated SiC fibre composites

A simple approach to modelling the consolidation of matrix coated fibre composites is presented. It employs an existing porous material constitutive model for monolithic materials. It is argued that in the consolidation of metal coated SiC fibres, the deformation primarily occurs in an outer layer of the fibre coating, and the internal core remains undeformed, largely because of the generally hydrostatic compressive loading, and because of the incompressible nature of the material in creep. The consolidation process is therefore not vastly different to that that occurs for monolithic metal fibres, and similar equations can therefore be used for the composite consolidation. The constitutive equations have been implemented into general purpose non-linear finite element software within a large deformation formulation by means of two different user subroutines, one providing a general implementation, and the other a cpu time efficient approach. The manufacture and testing of SiC continuous fibre, Ti-6Al-4V metal matrix composite specimens is described and the results of the tests compared with the model calculations, showing that good agreement can be achieved with a simple model. The dependence of volume fraction of fibres and temperature can be introduced empirically through the specification of just two material constants. The model is therefore useful in the development of consolidation processes.