Influence of elastic inclusion morphology and matrix hardening behavior onbauschinger effect in metal matrix composites

Finite element modeling based on axisymmetrical cells was performed for rel ating the Bauschinger effect (BE) in metal matrix composites (MMCs) to the reinforcement volume fraction and shape, matrix hardening behavior, and pla stic prestrain levels. It was found that elastic inclusions in MMCs introdu ce a significant BE, which is ascribed to the residual phase stresses in th e component phases. The BE introduced by cylindrical inclusions is more sig nificant than that of spherical ones and increases rapidly with increasing the aspect ratio of the cylindrical inclusion. The volume fraction of the e lastic inclusion has a strong effect on BE. The hardening behavior of the m atrix has a weak effect on BE. The BE increases with increasing plastic pre strain level.