A planar model study of creep in metal matrix composites with misaligned short fibres

The effect of fibre misalignment on the creep behaviour of metal matrix composites is modelled, including hardening behaviour (stage 1), dynamic recovery and steady state creep (stage 2) of the matrix material, using an internal variable constitutive model for the creep behavvour of the metal matrix. Numerical plane strain results in terms of average properties and detailed local deformation behaviour up to large strains are needed to show effects of fibre misalignment on the development of inelastic strains and the resulting over-all creep resistance of the material. The creep resistance for the composite is markedly reduced by the fibre misalignment and the time needed to reach an approximate steady state is elongated due to the strain induced rotation of the short fibres in the matrix.