Experimental analysis and modeling of mixed hardening of Steel Matrix Composites under monotonic and reverse simple shear loading: Application to SPIF process

Abstract

This study explores the distinctive characteristics of Steel Matrix Composites (SMCs) reinforced with TiB2, concentrating on their hardening behavior during simple shear tests. The analysis considers an elastoplastic model with Isotropic and Mixed hardening. Emphasizing the necessity of kinematic hardening, experimental characterizations using EBSD and XRD highlight effects of matrix grain size and reinforcement impact on mechanical properties. Validation of the numerical model through Stress-Strain curves reveals a strong correlation, particularly with the mixed hardening model under reverse shear loading. Comprehending SMC strain hardening is crucial for optimizing parameters and numerically designing forming processes, enhancing manufacturing efficiency.

Keywords:

• Steel Matrix Composites
• Bauschinger effect
• mixed hardening
• VUMAT
• simple shear
• SPIF process

Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to Arcelor Research SA for generously supplying the necessary materials for this study. They also wish to thank Professor Monique Gaspérini for her insightful discussions on experimental aspects and Professor Fakhreddine Dammak for his invaluable input on numerical aspects.

Data availability

The raw/processed data required to reproduce these findings cannot be shared at this time as the data also forms part of an ongoing study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.