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During the consolidation phase, reinforcement particles of Metal Matrix Composites (MMC's) tend to be non uniformly distributed. The result is that the material properties of the composite materials are not as good as those originally desired. Through large amounts of straining, homogeneity can be achieved. Finite element models of MMC's undergoing different thermomechanical processes (TMP's) to true strains of approximately 1.2 were generated. The models consist of particle clusters within the particle-depleted matrix. The particle clusters were modeled by either a smeared model in which the particles refine the grains in the cluster, or a discrete model of the particles within clusters. The smeared and discrete models qualitatively agreed with each other. The results suggest that the best TMP to reach a state of reinforcement particle homogeneity was a hot worked, low strain rate TMP.

During the consolidation phase, reinforcement particles of Metal Matrix Composites (MMC's) tend to be non uniformly distributed. The result is that the material properties of the composite materials are not as good as those originally desired. Through large amounts of straining, homogeneity can be achieved. Finite element models of MMC's undergoing different thermomechanical processes (TMP's) to true strains of approximately 1.2 were generated. The models consist of particle clusters within the particle-depleted matrix. The particle clusters were modeled by either a smeared model in which the particles refine the grains in the cluster, or a discrete model of the particles within clusters. The smeared and discrete models qualitatively agreed with each other. The results suggest that the best TMP to reach a state of reinforcement particle homogeneity was a hot worked, low strain rate TMP.

Thesis advisor, Young W. Kwon

During the consolidation phase, reinforcement particles of Metal Matrix Composites (MMC's) tend to be non uniformly distributed. The result is that the material properties of the composite materials are not as good as those originally desired. Through large amounts of straining, homogeneity can be achieved. Finite element models of MMC's undergoing different thermomechanical processes (TMP's) to true strains of approximately 1.2 were generated. The models consist of particle clusters within the particle-depleted matrix. The particle clusters were modeled by either a smeared model in which the particles refine the grains in the cluster, or a discrete model of the particles within clusters. The smeared and discrete models qualitatively agreed with each other. The results suggest that the best TMP to reach a state of reinforcement particle homogeneity was a hot worked, low strain rate TMP