Finite Element Simulation of Metal Matrix Composites: Effective Coefficients of Friction and Temperature Fields Under Frictional Loading

Computational predictions on the tribological behavior of metal matrix composites (MMCs) are carried out. The influence of particle volume fraction and clustering of particles is investigated at different length scales. Finite Element simulations are performed on unit cells utilizing approaches from the field of ‘continuum mechanics of materials’. Models are based on the work of Segurado et al. [1], who used homogeneous, randomly distributed inclusions in a matrix phase with 30% particle volume fraction. In addition, the present work introduces modified unit cells with 10% volume fraction, with both homogeneous random and clustered distribution (Fig. 1). These modifications are derived from the original cell by either randomly removing inclusions in the first case, or from a predefined area in the second case.