Influence of ceramic particles and fibre reinforcement in metal matrix composites on the VHCF behaviour. Part II: Stochastic modelling and statistical inference

We present a comprehensive stochastic model for the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) behaviour of metal matrix composites which are reinforced by a system of either ceramic particles or short fibres. The stochastic modelling includes first that of the random spatial arrangement of the reinforcements since naturally the latter build potential sources for crack initiation under VHCF loading. Then, based on general principles like the weakest-link concept and damage accumulation as well as on empirical laws known from the literature a stochastic model for the random fatigue lifetime of a specimen with given arrangement of the reinforcements is developed. The comparison of simulated data from the model with the so far available experimental data indicates that the model covers the typical VHCF behaviour of the experimentally investigated specimens.