Numerical simulation of dynamic consolidation of a SiC fiber-reinforced aluminum composite

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Abstract
Dynamic consolidation of a SiC fiber‐reinforced aluminum matrix composite resulting from the stress wave generated by an impacting stainless‐steel plate has been simulated using a two‐dimensional numerical model in which the aluminum and SiC are assumed to be infinite cylinders prior to consolidation. Impact velocities of 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 km/s were considered in the simulations. For impact plate velocities greater than 0.5 km/s, bonding is predicted to occur between the aluminum cylinders by melting in the regions of greatest plastic flow. In the interstices that are filled by a SiC fiber there is less plastic flow and the maximum temperature is significantly reduced. Results of the simulation are compared with the microstructure of a composite formed using a stainless‐steel impact plate with a velocity of 0.7 km/s to consolidate a close‐packed array of aluminum wires which contained SiC fibers of the appropriate diameter to fill the interstices to approximate the geometry of the model. The predictions of the simulation with respect to the observed deformation and the location and extent of melting of the aluminum wires are in good agreement with the experiment.