Simulation of shear banding in heterophase co-deformation: Example of plane strain compressed Cu–Ag and Cu–Nb metal matrix composites

Abstract The co-deformation and shear localization in heterophase alloys is studied using two-dimensional crystal plasticity finite element simulations on plane strain compressed Cu–Ag and Cu–Nb metal matrix composites. The aim is to study the fundamentals of micromechanics, co-deformation and shear banding in materials with heterophase interfaces. It is observed that, depending on the initial orientations of the crystals, co-deformation of the constituent heterophases often proceeds via collective mechanisms, i.e. by pronounced shear banding triggered by stress concentration at the interfaces. This phenomenon leads to highly localized strains within the bands, exceeding the average strain in part by two orders of magnitude. Shear band development is related to the inherent mechanical properties of each crystal and also to the properties of the abutting crystals. The predicted topology and nature of the cross-phase shear bands, i.e. the extreme local strains, significant bending of the interface regions, and sharp strain localization that propagates across the interfaces, agree well with experimental observations in cold-rolled composites. The simulations reveal that cross-phase shear banding leads to large and highly localized values of stress and strain at heterophase interfaces. Such information is essential for a better understanding of the micromechanical boundary conditions inside co-deformed composites and the associated shear-induced chemical mixing.