A computational framework for micromechanical modelling of WC-Co composites

In this study, the mechanical behavior under monotonic loads of tungsten carbide‑cobalt (WC-Co) composites is investigated extensively by analyzing (1) nanoindentation tests on WC particles and Co matrix, (2) nanowires made WC-Co tested in tension (3) micropillars compression. To end, a novel computational framework consisting two different microplane constitutive models developed for phases are proposed. For J2-plasticity, called model MPJ2, modified version M7, M7WC, employed. Furthermore, finite element meshes 3D obtained from experimental tomography reconstructions employed to rule out any spurious geometric features that likely be encountered artificially generated meshes. After calibrating aforementioned models, it shown predictions not only confirm extensive observations but also shed further light into these composites.