Effect of inhomogeneous particle distributions on the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites

Numerous models have appeared in the literature which attempt to predict the flow stress of a ductile matrix reinforced by high volume fractions of stiff particles. Recent work has attempted to model the effect of a non-uniform distribution of the harder phase on the overall mechanical properties of the composite at small strains. However, experimental evidence of a `clustering effect' in composites is lacking due to a) difficulties in defining and quantitatively measuring inhomogeneity, and b) lack of control over particle distribution during processing. Our progress in modelling and measuring the effects of non-uniform particle distributions in metal-matrix composites are reviewed in this paper.