A new method based on simultaneous acoustic emission and in-situ SEM observation to evaluate the fracture behavior of metal matrix composites

摘要

It has been found that the introduction of ceramic particulate reinforcement can significantly improve the strength, stiffness, dimensional stability and wear resistance of aluminum alloys, making the resul-tain Particulate ReinfbrcedMetal Matrix Composites (PRMMCs) candidates for a range of applications where monolithic aluminum alloys would prove inadequate (1). The use of these materials in structural applications, however, is hindered by the poor fracture toughness reported for PRMMCs compared to monolithic matrix alloys. Realization of the full commercial potential of this class of materials is thus dependent on optimization of their fracture properties, and so characterization of the fracture process in PRMMCs has become a research priority in recent times.