Three-dimensional (3D) microstructure visualization and finite element modeling of the mechanical behavior of SiC particle reinforced aluminum composites

A serial sectioning process was used to develop a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the microstructure of a SiC particle reinforced Al composite, for visualization and finite-element modeling (FEM). The Young's modulus and stress–strain behavior of the composite predicted by the 3D model of microstructure correlated very well with experimental results.