Finite element modeling of laser forming of aluminum matrix composites

Much work has been done on modeling of laser forming over the past decades, but most of the models were developed for monolithic materials. In this article, a microstructure integrated finite element model is developed for the first time to predict the deformation behavior of composite materials in laser forming. A unit cell model is used to analyze the thermo-physical properties of an aluminum matrix composite. Spherical particles are assumed, and the particles are linearly elastic materials, whereas the matrix is an elastic-plastic material and the bonding between the particle and the matrix is perfect. A ten-node three-dimensional tetrahedral element has been employed to generate the meshes for unit cells and a 20-node brick element for the thermal and structural field in laser forming. The effective properties of the composite represented by the unit cells have been analyzed and compared with those obtained by the composite analytical models. The deformation behavior and bending angles of an aluminum matrix composite were simulated by the finite element model, and compared with the published experimental results. The distribution of the temperature field and the strain/stress field of the composite in laser forming are also analyzed, and the significance of the findings is discussed in this article.