Probabilistic Analysis for Tensile Failure of Metal Matrix Composites

In this paper a micromechanically analytical model using an influence function superimposition technique is developed to derive stress profiles for any configuration of breaks in continuous fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCf) under thermo-mechanical loading, including the effects of variations in fiber strength, local thereto-plasticity of matrix. properties and interface characters between fiber and matrix. Several hundred Monte-Carlo simulations considering these factors have been executed to investigate failure behavior and determine statistically ultimate strength distributions of the composites. It is shown that the size dependence of composite tensile strength is dominated by fiber strength statistics and stress distribution due to progressive microdamage.