Effect of Reinforcement Size and Matrix Microstructure on the Fracture Propertiesof an Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite

摘要

The effects of microstructural changes on the fracture toughness of SiCreinforced aluminum alloy composites were determined. Reinforcement sizes of 5 um and 13 um were utilized at both the 15 and 20 volume percent level. Heat treatments were designed to produce underaged and overaged composites of equivalent yield strength with very different microstructures. Fracture toughness tests were conducted utilizing J-integral techniques and both the fracture initiation toughness, J(IC), and the tearing modulus were determined. Identical experiments were conducted on the monolithic materials. Significant effects of matrix microstructure on the fracture toughness were observed. Metal matrix composites, Fracture toughness, Reinforcement Size, Microstructure Effects.