Damage Detection of AA2124/SiC Metal Matrix Composites Using Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry

摘要

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) with aluminium alloy AA2124 matrix reinforced with 17 and 25% of SiC were investigated. Symmetric tension-compression fatigue tests at ambient temperature and tensile creep tests at elevated temperature were carried out. Specimens were subjected to fatigue or creep loading conditions. Tests were stopped after given number of cycles or strain values respectively. Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) was used in order to detect damage under fatigue and creep conditions. Strain fields were observed on specimens' surfaces to localise strain concentrations that would indicate areas of damage development.