Monte-Carlo simulation and the chain-of-bundles model for titanium-matrix composite materials

A numerical simulation technique has been developed and is used to estimate the ultimate strength of several unidirectional metal-matrix composite systems. The results of multiple realizations of this technique, which explicitly accounts for the local nature of fiber load redistribution, are presented and show excellent agreement with experimental results. In addition to synthesizing some recent numerical modeling efforts for these types of composite systems, this simulation technique incorporates both the multi-axial stress state effects and the change in constituent residual stresses as the matrix plastically deforms. A thorough statistical analysis of the ultimate strength predictions is performed not only to assess the accuracy of the simulation model presented, but also to provide a measure of goodness of the various analytical models reviewed.