Formation of Bulk Tensile Regions in Metal Matrix Composites and Coatings under Uniaxial and Multiaxial Compression

This paper numerically investigates the mechanical behavior of an aluminum specimen with a TiC–Al6061 composite coating. The strain localization and fracture patterns are determined for different scale levels. The effects of the loading type, distance between titanium carbide particles, and metal matrix coating thickness are studied. A numerical method based on the experimental data is proposed for constructing three-dimensional structures of materials with complex-shaped particles. The method is applied to create three-dimensional structures of a material with a composite coating on different scale levels. Interfacial strain localization patterns are examined under multiaxial compression caused by cooling of the metal matrix/ceramic particle composite from the melt to room temperature, as well as under uniaxial compression. The formation mechanisms of bulk tensile regions under mechanical and thermal compression are investigated.