Analyzing Hysteresis and Thermal Expansion Coefficient of M40/AZ91D during Thermal Cycling

Abstract

In this work, AZ91D composite reinforced with M40 fiber was prepared by pressure impregnation method. Expansion behaviors of M40/AZ91D composite were studied with thermal expansion instrument in 25-150 °C and 25-150 °C temperature ranges of internal heat circulation, and then analyzed the influence law of hysteresis, residual strain and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) by different temperature change rate. The results revealed that residual stress and strain in process of pressure impregnation would lead to strain hysteresis and residual strain of composite in thermal cycling. At the same time, the CTE of the composites decreased with the increase of cycle times. Residual strain of the composite went up with the rise of temperature changed rate of the thermal cycling and CTE decreased with temperature change rate ascending in the 25-150°C temperature range. The CTE of the composites decreased with the increase of temperature during the heating process, which cut down with the increase of temperature in process of heating and cooling in the 25-495°C temperature range.