Microstructural characterization, meso-scale modeling and multiple-scale analysis of discretely reinforced materials

This paper presents an overview of physically motivated computational models that are developed to link quantitative metallography, meso- and multiple-scale analysis for discretely reinforced non-uniform composites. Three-dimensional microstructure models are constructed by serially arranging the digitally acquired section micrographs obtained through serial sectioning. Characterization studies using spatial correlation, intensity and distribution functions show significant differences between 2D and 3D images. Mesoscopic analyses for particle damage by cracking and splitting are carried out in 2D by the Voronoi cell finite element method (VCFEM) and validated against experimental observations. Finally, the microstructural VCFEM is coupled with structural analysis models to concurrently predict evolution at macroscopic and microscopic scales.