Effect of graphite-particle morphology on thermomechanical performance of compacted graphite iron: Numerical modelling

Compacted graphite iron (CGI) is used in numerous applications, e.g., in the automotive industry, in tools and pipes, thanks to its excellent thermomechanical properties. Despite its extensive industrial use, its fracture at the microscale was not thoroughly investigated. Interfacial debonding is the main mechanism of fracture of CGI at the microscale and is based on the deformational incompatibility between graphite and the surrounding matrix. To study this decohesion, a two-dimensional micromechanical model of elliptical inclusions embedded in a metallic matrix is generated. An elastoplastic response is assumed for both constituents, and cohesive finite elements are applied to the graphite-matrix interface to simulate decohesion. A parametric analysis of interfacial features such as thickness and stiffness is performed to identify the effect of these parameters on debonding. The obtained results provide insights into the thermomechanical behaviour of CGI at the microscale and enable more effective modelling of this engineering alloy.