Chapter 12 - Experimental damage investigation

Abstract

This chapter provides a method to experimentally evaluate different types of damage in a metal–matrix composite material that can be used in conjunction with a micromechanical damage theory. This is outlined through an overall damage quantification as well as a local damage quantification differentiating between damage in the matrix and in the fibers. It deals with specimen design and preparation, mechanical testing, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, and evaluation of damage parameters based on the results of the microanalysis. The material investigated in this chapter is a titanium aluminide composite reinforced with continuous silicon carbide (SiC) fibers. The SiC fibers are developed and produced by the manufacturer of the initial plate specimens. Mechanical testing is done utilizing a computer-controlled testing machine with hydraulic grips. An SEM analysis is done on a representative cross-section of all specimens to obtain a qualitative evaluation of damage in the specimens, as well as providing a means for measuring visible damage features.