Multi-scale modeling and strengthening–toughening mechanism of ductile–ductile-layered configuration composites

The mechanical behaviors of novel submicron silicon carbide (SiCsm)/ aluminum (Al)-micron silicon carbide (SiCm)/2024Al composites with a ductile–ductile-layered configuration are studied using experimental and multi-scale numerical simulation methods. To study the strengthening–toughening mechanism of the composites, we establish multi-scale representative volume elements (RVEs) at microscopic and mesoscopic scales in ABAQUS finite element software, where the micro-RVE contains SiCsm, Al matrix, and SiCsm/Al interfaces, which are used to predict the mechanical property of the SiCsm/Al element and the meso-RVE contains homogeneous cylindrical SiCsm/Al elements, SiCm, 2024 aluminum (2024Al) matrix, SiCm/2024Al interfaces, and layer interfaces. The tensile stress–strain relationship, damage, and failure behavior of the SiCsm/Al-SiCm/2024Al composites are simulated, which is consistent with the experimental tensile test results. A series of finite-element models of SiCsm/Al-SiCm/2024Al composites is established whose mechanical properties are calculated and the strengthening–toughening mechanism is analyzed. An optimization design method of synergizing microscopic mechanical properties with structural configuration has been developed for the strengthening–toughening trade-off of ductile–ductile-layered configuration composites, and the strengthening–toughening design of the SiCsm/Al-SiCm/2024Al composites is realized.