Prediction of plastic deformation of fiber-reinforced copper matrix composites

Abstract Copper alloys have been considered as a structural material for the heat sink of the actively cooled plasma facing components due to its high thermal conductivity. However, the decrease of strength at elevated temperatures and their large thermal expansion are detrimental aspects. The fiber-reinforced copper matrix composites (FRCMC) can be a potential candidate as heat sink material. In this article, the non-linear constitutive behavior of the FRCMCs reinforced with continuous SiC fibers is predicted. To this end, a simulation tool was developed using analytical micro-mechanics theory. The effects of thermal residual stress and of the matrix flow stress are estimated. The results show that these composites have a significantly increased work-hardening rate compared to the unreinforced matrix metals. The thermal residual stress has a marked influence on the initial yield surface as well as on the stress–strain curve showing asymmetry in tension and compression.