Abstract
The effects of fibre/matrix interface strength and thermal residual stresses on the mechanical properties of a silicon carbide/titanium composite were investigated. A 3-ply [0/90/0] composite was subjected to a simulated superplastic forming/diffusion bonding (SPF/DB) temperature cycle which changed fibre/matrix interfacial strength and thermal residual stresses in the composite. The [0/90/0] composite subjected to the SPF/DB process showed a 25% decrease in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and a 30% decrease in failure strain compared to the as-fabricated (ASF) material. The fatigue life for the SPF/DB specimens was approximately 50% lower than the ASF specimens. The fracture surface of the ASF specimens was very irregular accompanied by substantial fibre pull-out as compared to the planar fracture surface of the SPF/DB cycled specimens that showed negligible fibre pull-out. The large changes in the tensile strength and fatigue life due to the SPF/DB cycle are explained by a difference in the failure mechanisms occurring as a result of the SPF/DB-induced changes in the strength of the fibre/matrix interface and higher thermal residual stresses. Unreinforced titanium was also tested to study the effect of the SPF/DB cycle on the matrix static properties. Fibres were etched from the composite and then individually tested for modulus and strength. Finally, a microscopic examination of the fibre/matrix interface was performed to study the effects of the SPF/DB cycle on the interface.
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Naik, R.A., Pollock, W.D. & Johnson, W.S. Effect of a high-temperature cycle on the mechanical properties of silicon carbide/titanium metal matrix composites. J Mater Sci 26, 2913–2920 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01124821
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01124821