Slice compression test: A preliminary numerical analysis

We conduct a finite element analysis of the slice compression test applied to metal-matrix composites. This test, designed to characterize interfaces in composite materials, involves pressing a composite material specimen on a soft plate so that fibers are forced to protrude and intrude into the soft plate leaving a permanent deformation. We focus on the Ti-6Al-4V matrix with SCS-6 silicon carbide fibers composite system. We conduct calculations using ABAQUS and employ contact elements at the fiber-matrix interface which incorporate a stress-based criterion for crack initiation and frictional slipping. The analysis is performed in three stages: i) thermal analysis accounting for thermal residual stresses, ii) mechanical loading, and iii) mechanical unloading. The fiber protrusion length, permanent indent depth in the base material, and the debonding length along the fiber-matrix interface are the main output parameters.