Validation of Numerical Models Describing the Stress-Strain Characteristics in the Strength Tests of Composite Materials on a Metal Matrix Using the Elastooptic Method

Testing the strength properties of materials intended as impact energy absorbers requires appropriate identification. The scope of tested becomes laborious when composites are the material used to build impact energy dissipation absorbers. Various methods are used for this. One of them is the method based on the analytical model or Eshelby model or the method based on the finite element method. The analysis was based on AC-44200 alloy reinforced with 20% vol. and 30% vol. of Al2O3 particles. Numerical analyses were carried out in the ABAQUS/Explicit environment based on composite material samples subjected to loads on a testing machine based on the fracture mechanics. The obtained results of the maximum stress distribution were compared with the results obtained using the elastooptic method. The high agreement of the results proves the correctly developed numerical models and the adopted boundary conditions. The developed conclusions from the research were used for further analysis in the field of modelling the impact load of a new group of materials characterized by appropriate ballistic parameters.