The Influence of Structural Arrangement of Inclusions on Dual Composite Strength

The paper deals with ceramic composites based on the ZrB 2 matrix with SiC and MoSi 2 particle inclusions. The volume fraction, size, and distribution of both inclusions are varied. The influence of the composite structure on their compressive strength is studied on the proposed computer models of a unit cell using the movable cellular automaton method. As a result, the mechanical behavior of ZrB 2 –X(SiC)–Y(MoSi 2 ) composites with the different structural arrangements and phase compositions is studied. It is shown that the structure of dual ceramic composites with MoSi 2 inclusions, which form mesoscopic granules, demonstrates the highest mechanical properties due to the microcrack retardation as compared to the materials with the uniform arrangement of these inclusions in the composite bulk.