Abstract

A technique to generate three-dimensional microstructural models for the homogenization of the mechanical properties of particle reinforced composites is proposed. Particles are created in an already existent tetrahedral mesh of a cubic domain. Therefore, models for materials with different compositions can be developed from the same discretization. The model is tested by performing homogenization of the elastoplastic behaviour of a typical particle reinforced metal matrix composite. To assess the representative volume element size a criterion based on the steadiness of the average elastic energy related to residual stresses is proposed. Examples of applications of the model to real materials are provided.

Indentation testing of a finite poroelastic layer is considered. By adopting nondimensional parameters it is possible to build a library of master curves which represent the test response as a function of the test profile and of the material properties. Such an approach allows conducting material parameter identification without the need for inverse FE analysis, allowing for rapid analysis of large numbers of indentation tests.

Matteo Galli is currently working with Michelle Oyen. He holds a M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, and a Ph.D. degree in Mechanics from EPFL , Switzerland.