EFFECTS OF AN INTERFACIAL REGION ON THE TRANSVERSE BEHAVIOR OF METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES--A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

摘要

An interfacial region (i.e. an interface coating or a reaction product) between the fiber and matrix is known to exist in most metal-matrix composites. Since the load transfer between the fiber and matrix depends on the properties and conditions of this interfacial region, the mechanical behavior of the composites is strongly affected by its characteristics. In this study, finite element analysis has been used to investigate the distribution of residual thermal stresses in the interfacial region, characteristics of interfacial crack initiation and propagation, and mechanical response of the composites under transverse tensile loading.