Uniaxial compression model for a metal-matrix/hollow-microsphere composite synthesized by pressure infiltration

•Micromechanical model of a porous metal-matrix composite proposed with consideration of an interfacial layer.•New technique developed for initial pressing stage analysis of a porous aluminum composite containing hollow glass microspheres.•Elastic moduli and axial stress peak of composite determined with higher accuracy than simplified alternative models.•Proposed methodology allows for the prediction of elastic parameters and strength characteristics of composites under consideration. A new calculation technique is proposed for determining the deformation-strength characteristics of composites made of a porous metal matrix and hollow spherical inclusions. It is based on a three-phase micromechanical model of a dispersion-filled composite with taking into account the presence of an interfacial layer. For validation/exemplification purposes, this method is used to describe the initial pressing stage of a porous aluminum alloy containing hollow glass microspheres; the simulated mechanical characteristics and axial stress peak of the target composite are compared with experimental data and the results by a simplified alternative model. Additionally, the developed method is able to provide acceptable prediction accuracy for the elastic moduli of the composite and the peak axial stress. The proposed methodology is capable of predicting not only the elastic parameters but also strength characteristics of heterogeneous materials under consideration, which is demonstrated using three composites synthesized by pressure infiltration technology.