Direct numerical predictions for the steady-state creep deformation of extruded SiCw/Al6061 composites using a representative volume element with random arrangement of whiskers

In this paper, a new straightforward methodology for stress analysis and prediction of the steady-state creep deformation of discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites was proposed using finite element analysis. A three dimensional representative volume element of a SiC whisker reinforced Al6061 composite was modeled and analyzed to study its creep behaviors. In the model, periodic 30 unidirectional whiskers were generated using a modified random sequential algorithm to produce a random morphology. The numerical predictions were compared and contrasted with those from commonly used 2D and 3D unit cell models. Through the numerical analyses, it was found that the presence of localized stress concentrations seemed to be one of the main factors affecting the creep performance of composites. The steady-state creep rate predicted by present model showed satisfactory agreement with the results of experimental literatures. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.