SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1993
STP14904S

Tensile and Tension-Tension Fatigue Fracture Behavior of γ-Al O /Al Metal Matrix Composite at Room and Elevated Temperature

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Tensile and tension-tension fatigue (stress ratio: 0.05) fracture behavior of a continuous γ-Al2O3 fiber reinforced aluminum (Al-0.5Ba) matrix metal matrix composite (fiber volume fraction: 50%) manufactured by a squeeze casting process was investigated in laboratory air at room and elevated temperature (573 K). Special attention was paid to fracture processes: in situ observation of static fracture processes was also made in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fracture surfaces were closely examined with an SEM, and we have discussed the tensile and fatigue fracture mechanisms. The fiber reinforcement improved the material properties, including tensile strength, elastic modulus and fatigue strength of both [0°], [0°/90°], and [ ±45°] composites, compared with those of unreinforced equivalent matrix materials, 1XXX series aluminums. The in situ observation in the SEM showed that the static fracture of [0°] and [0°/90°] composites was controlled by failures of 0° plies, and the fracture initiated at broken fibers at the specimen surface. In the case of [±45°] composites, intralaminar failures at the middle position in thickness occurred, leading to interlaminar deformation and failures, and finally unstable fracture. The tensile strength of [0°] composites at 573 K was higher than that at room temperature. In the case of [0°/90°] composites, there was little difference in strength between room temperature and 573 K. However, strength at 573 K of [ ± 45°] composites decreased from that at room temperature. Both at room temperature and at 573 K, few fiber pullouts were observed and pullout fibers were covered with matrix. Failures of [90°] composites occurred in matrix near fiber/matrix interfaces and fiber splitting also existed. These indicated that the composite had excellent fiber/matrix interfacial strength. Failure mechanisms of fatigue in [0°] composites differed depending on stress level; at high stress levels, final failures were brought about by a macroscopic transverse crack, whereas at low stress levels, longitudinal crack first initiated and propagated in the longitudinal direction, that is, loading axis direction. This longitudinal crack reached the gripped position, and then a macroscopic transverse crack was initiated and propagated, resulting in final failure. In the case of [±45°] composites, macroscopic failures occurred in the transverse direction, irrespective of stress level, and the S-N curve was very flat.

Author Information

Komai, K
Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Minoshima, K
Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Funato, T
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagoya, Japan
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Developed by Committee: D30
Pages: 145–170
DOI: 10.1520/STP14904S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5249-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1866-9