Thermal expansion coefficient in a real fiber-reinforced metal matrix composite

摘要

Physical and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) depend strongly fiber orientation. It is therefore very important to measure orientation distribution of whiskers. The rorientation dependence of Thermal Expansion Coefficient (TEC) has been predicted theoretically by Takao (1) using Kshelby (2) and Mori-Tanaka (3) (4) theories. However, available experimental data have not been reported enough since obtaining the distribution of whiskers orientation in three dimensional space (3D) is not easy. In this paper, first we propose a convenient method to measure the orientation distribution of whiskers in 3D space and present three different examples in a SiCw/2014 MMC. Secondly, experimental data on TECs of the above specimens are presented with and emphasis, on their anisotropic features. Finally, theoretical predictions using Takao's method are examined.