Realistic Micromechanical Simulation of Structural Materials

Arun Sreeranganathan
Georgia institute of Technology, USA

We use the Abaqus FEA product suite for micro-mechanical analyses of realistic material microstructures, primarily particle reinforced composites. Realistic virtual microstructures that correspond to changes in processing parameters are simulated and are analyzed to determine the global/local mechanical response. This virtual material prototyping is a key aspect in the emerging field of ‘materials by design’ where new materials are developed by tailoring microstructures to suit specific performance requirements. Such studies will enhance our understanding of the basic science of complex microstructure-properties relationships in structural materials. Image shows the maximum principal stress distribution in the sic particles in a discontinuously reinforced aluminum composite on uniaxial loading under periodic boundary conditions. The aluminum matrix mesh is not shown in the image for clarity.