Influence of Force Chains Behaviors on Strength of Al/W/PTFE Granular Composite

Mesoscale simulation is conducted to investigate the effect of force chains between metal particles on the mechanical behavior of aluminum-tungsten-polytetrafluoroethylene (Al/W/PTFE) granular composite under a strain-controlled loading. A two-dimensional model followed the random distribution of particles is developed. Dynamic simulations are performed with variations in the size of Al particles to reveal the strength and fracture mechanisms of the composites. The results indicate that, force chains governed by the number and the size of metal particles significantly affects the global compressive response and macro-cracks propagation. The stability and reconstruction of mesoscale force chains explain the phenomenon that a higher strength is observed in the material with fine Al particles. Combined with the angle between particles, we examine the properties of force chains and the network as they evolve during the course of the deformation. Findings indicate that reactive composites tend to produce shorter chains, and straighter force chains with a smaller force angle result in a macroscopically stronger granular material.