Superelement methods in high temperature metal matrix composites

Abstract

A study into fiber fracture and debonding in metal matrix composites is conducted using the finite element method. The superelement finite element technique was used to model a metal matrix composite under various loading condition and with varying degrees of fiber debonding. The use of superelement saved many man hours by allowing for alteration of only the primary superelement to manipulate partial bonding for the entire model. The composite's material properties were calculated and the effects of fiber debonding on these properties were noted. The internal stress state of the composite while under various loads was also studied. Special interest was devoted to the change in stress state as a result of increasing fiber debonding.