Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Behavior for SiC Nanowires Reinforced Al Matrix Composites

Abstract

This paper proposes a finite element (FE) analysis approach in meso-scale to predict the mechanical behavior, including elastic moduli and tensile strength, of SiC nanowires reinforced aluminum matrix (SiC_nw/Al) composites. The study investigates the influence of the volume fraction and the aspect ratio of the SiC nanowires on the mechanical properties of the composites by employing the representative volume elements (RVE) models. The FE results successfully predict the elastic moduli and strength properties of the SiC_nw/Al composites, exhibiting consistency with both the experimental findings and the theoretical predictions. In terms of microstructure, the elastic moduli and strength of the composites generally exhibit an increasing trend with higher volume fractions. However, the aspect ratio demonstrates a more intricate behavior, initially increasing and eventually reaching a saturation value as the aspect ratio increases. The results also reveal significant effects of the extrusion treatment on the mechanical properties of the SiC_nw/Al composites, leading to an increase in the elastic moduli and strength along the direction of the nanowires. The numerical approach presented in this work provides an accurate means of predicting the mechanical properties of SiC_nw/Al composites, thereby serving as a valuable reference for designers.