Effect of reinforcement shape on the compression performance of ZTAp/40Cr three-dimensional interpenetrating network composites

The architectural design of the metal matrix composites can fully exploit their strength and toughness, and the experimental research has confirmed the development of the three-dimensional (3D) interpenetrating network as an essential approach for the design of the composite architecture. The traditional experimental method is incapable of meeting the needs for developing the architectural composites. The effect of the reinforcement shape on the compression performance of the 3D interpenetrating network composites was numerically analyzed in this study, using the finite element simulation method to model three types of reinforcement shapes (irregular polyhedral, regular 24-faceted body and solid sphere). The effect of the reinforcement shape on the macroscopic crack extension was compared. The influence of the reinforcement shape on the failure and fracture of the 3D interpenetrating network composites was obvious. Further, the bearing capacity of each phase of the 3D interpenetrating network configuration composites during uniaxial compression was investigated. The findings obtained in this study serve both as a theoretical and design foundation for gaining further insights into the performance of the 3D interpenetrating network composites.