Large strain deformation of a copper—tungsten composite system. I. Strain distributions

The deformation behaviour of copper—tungsten fibre model composites was examined using plane-strain compression tests with the tungsten fibres parallel to the direction of zero strain (i.e. perpendicular to the loading axis). Experiments were conducted on 20 and 30% volume fraction samples with triangular and square arrangements of fibres. The local distribution of strain in the matrix of the composite was experimentally determined by the change in shape of a fiducial grid fabricated on the sample prior to deformation. In conjunction with the experimental work, finite-element method (FEM) calculations were performed for similar samples and loading conditions. Very good agreement was observed between the experimental and calculated macroscopic stress—strain behaviour and the local distribution of strain. In addition, the distribution of local stress in the composite was obtained from the FEM calculations.