Composite Material Characterisation

Notable Features of Model

• Based on X-ray tomography (XMT)
• Multi-part FEA model
• Scan to mesh in 10 minutes

Aluminum-based particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites (PMMCs) frequently have a heterogeneous distribution of reinforcement particles whether produced by a powder or liquid processing route. The applicability of X-ray microtomography (XMT) for the characterization of this heterogeneity and its influence on final properties was investigated, for the case of a powder blended and extruded AA2124 matrix with Ni particulate. Simpleware software was used to quantify the embedded Ni particle size distribution and the extent and texture of clusters formed.

XMT scan of composite

Segmentation of Al, TiB2, Fe, Air based on signal strength

FE mesh without Aluminum (more detailed image)

X-ray tomography and segmentation in ScanIP

XMT provides a rapid means of generating 3D representations of actual material microstructures in two-phase systems. Segmentation algorithms in ScanIP have been used to segment four components (i.e. Al, TiB2, Fe, Air) based on signal strength.

Mesh Generation in ⁺ScanFE

In under 5 minutes, an accurate FE mesh has been generated in ⁺ScanFE to determine the reinforcement particle/cluster size distribution and extrusion texture in an MMC material.

FE Analysis

Simulation of the elastoplastic response of the material showed excellent correlation with experimental results. Using the directly meshed microstructure, the elasto-plastic behavior of the complex microstructure was simulated, and excellent agreement was achieved with experimental measurement.

Publication

Watson, I.G., Lee, P.D., Dashwood, R.J., Young, P. 2006. Simulation of the Mechanical Properties of an Aluminum Matrix Composite using X-ray Microtomography. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 37A, 551-558. Download abstract