Consideration of Orowan strengthening effect in particulate-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites: A model for predicting their yield strength

An analytical model for predicting the yield strength of particulate-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites has been developed. The strengthening effects involving (i) Orowan strengthening effect, (ii) enhanced dislocation density due to the residual plastic strain caused by the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the matrix and particles, and (iii) load-bearing effect have been taken into account in the model. The prediction is in good agreement with the experimental data reported in the literature. (c) 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.