Simulating the deformation process of AlMg6/10%SiC_p composite representative volume under macroscopic uniaxial strain

We present a computational model of the deformation process of a metal matrix composite representative volume. The composite is manufactured by sintering AlMg6 alloy particles with 10 vol.% of SiC particle reinforcement. Due to the manufacturing process, the composite features a microscopic cellular structure: silicon carbide particles enclose aluminum alloy particles in a stratum. We consider a perfect adhesive bond among the structural constituents of the composite. Simulations with a model allow us to obtain stress-strain curves for representative volume deformation under macroscopic uniaxial strain. Comparing the computed curves with the experimental ones allows us to draw a conclusion that, in loading scenarios with significant tensile stresses, it is incorrect to consider internal structure bonds as indissoluble. Such considerations may introduce an error in the simulations of the mechanical behavior of composites with a cellular microscopic structure. On the contrary, when compressive stresses prevail, the simulations agree well with experimental data.