Effect of strain rate on deformation behavior of aluminum matrix composites with Al2O3 nanoparticles

This study aims to investigate the quasi-static and high strain rate deformation of an aluminum-based metal matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 nanoparticles. The addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles with an optimal weight percentage increased the strength and energy absorption capacity of the composite material. The deformation characteristics of the material were found to be strain rate sensitive. It was concluded that the usage of an optimal weight percentage of nanoparticles results in a markedly higher energy absorption capacity in a variety of strain rates of deformation. Moreover, the energy absorption capacity of the present metal matrix composites increased significantly at the higher strain rates of deformation. It was found that the excessive addition of nanoparticles to the metal matrix decreases the energy absorption capacity as well as strain rate sensitivity of the composite material.