An Elasto-Plastic Stress Analysis on a Metal Matrix Composite Beam of Arbitrary Orientation Supported from Two Ends under a Transverse Uniformly Distributed Load

An analytical elastic-plastic stress analysis is carried out on a metal-matrix composite beam of arbitrary orientation supported from two ends under a transverse uniformly distributed load. The composite layer consists of stainless steel fiber and aluminum matrix. The material is assumed to be perfectly plastic in the elasto-plastic solution. The intensity of the uniform force is chosen at a small value; therefore the normal stress component of σ_y is neglected during the elasto-plastic solution. The expansion of the plastic region and the residual stress component of σ_x are determined for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° orientation angles. Plastic yielding occurs for 0° and 90° orientation angles on the lower and upper surfaces of the beam at the same distances from the mid point. However; it starts first at the lower surface for 30°, 45° and 60° orientation angles. The intensity of the residual stress component of σ_x is found maximum at the lower and upper surfaces. However; the intensity of residual stress component τ_xy is maximum on or around the x axis of the beam.