Directionally Constrained Viscoplasticity for Metal Matrix Composites

A theoretical framework along with an experimental comparison and numerical simulation is presented, for the modeling of the viscoplastic behavior of metal matrix composites (MMCs). MMCs are finding increasing applications in aerospace structures. MMCs have strong directional properties that directly influence the evolution of the internal variables, namely, the backstress and viscoplastic strain. The model is developed within a micromechanical framework for MMCs using the equilibrium surface approach. The directional properties of MMCs are incorporated by proposing a constrained equilibrium surface, which is based on the constrained stress terms proposed. The micromechanical framework combines the viscoplastic properties of the matrix with the elastic properties of the fiber. Model-generated experimental comparisons and simulations are also presented.