SEDL / STP / STP1032-EB / STP22857S

Strength Predictions for Metal Matrix Composites

Harmon, DM
Senior engineer and section chief, Structural Research, McDonnell Douglas Corporation, McDonnell Aircraft Company, St. Louis, MO

Saff, CR
Senior engineer and section chief, Structural Research, McDonnell Douglas Corporation, McDonnell Aircraft Company, St. Louis, MO

Graves, DL
Engineer, Defense Intelligence Agency, DT-ACO, Washington, DC

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1989

Download this paper for $25 PDF (252K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

A multistage analysis routine for prediction of metal matrix composite strength and life has been developed. It uses micromechanics to predict material stresses, strains, and crack initiation under load. It uses macromechanics for load redistributions caused by geometry, local failures, and crack growth. This routine can be used to predict lamina and laminate stiffnesses, stresses about a notch and through the net section, laminate strength (notched or unnotched), crack initiation lives, crack growth, and residual strength. The routine is user-friendly and emphasizes rapid analysis techniques, which allow the program to be run interactively. The purpose of this routine is to provide quick and accurate strength and life predictions for metal matrix composites based on limited test data.