Micromechanical Analysis for Iron-Based Composites Under Large Deformations

A micromechanical analysis under large deformations for iron-based composites is introduced to predict the deformation behavior of iron (Fe)-copper (Cu) composites. In particular, pure Fe, pure Cu, Fe-17 wt. % Cu, and Fe-83 wt. % Cu are studied. In Fe-Cu composites, Cu is a soft-phase material. Hence, it undergoes a large deformation. Fe being the hard phase material shows elevated stresses. Because of the heterogeneity in the microstructure of Fe-Cu composites, the micromechanical model enables the capture of the flow behavior of Fe-Cu polycrystals. Both Fe and Cu constituents are rate-dependent elasto-viscoplastic materials. Hence, they are formulated in the framework of large deformations. The reliability of the prediction of flow behavior is investigated by comparing the numerical model (Taylor approach) and experiments.