Numerical Simulation for Elasto-Plastic Contact of Novel Ti-(SiC_f/Al₃Ti)-Laminated Composite with Double-Layered SiC Fiber Reinforcements

An innovative, high-strength metal–intermetallic-laminate (MIL) composite Ti-(SiC_f/Al₃Ti), reinforced by double or even several SiC fiber rows, was fabricated. A high-efficiency, semi-analytical model with a numerical equivalent inclusion method (NEIM) was employed to investigate the deformation behaviors, microscopic strengthening, and failure mechanisms of the composite during elasto-plastic sphere–plane contact. The microstructure and interface features were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The contact model for the Ti-(SiC_f/Al₃Ti) composite was validated via quasi-static compressive indentation tests with a spherical indenter. A series of in-depth parametric studies were conducted to quantify the effect of the microstructure. The results indicate that the as-fabricated laminated composite has a well-organized microstructure and a higher volume fraction of fibers. The SiC fiber rows effectively enhance the strength and toughness of the composite. The optimal diameter of the SiC fibers is 32 μm when the horizontal center distance between the adjacent fibers is 2.5 times that of the fiber diameter. The hole defects occurring above the fibers would damage the material strength most compared with those occurring in other positions. The optimal quantity of the SiC fiber rows is four when the thickness of the SiC_f/Al₃Ti layer is 400 μm and the fiber diameter is 8 μm.