Mechanical behavior of a continuous fiber-reinforced aluminum matrix composite subjected to transverse and thermal loading

Abstract

T he transverse properties of an aluminum alloy metal matrix composite reinforced by continuous alumina fibers have been investigated. The composite is subjected to both mechanical and cyclic thermal loading. The results of an experimental program indicate that the shakedown concept of structural mechanics provides a means of describing the material behavior. When the loading conditions are within the shakedown region the material finally responds in an elastic manner after initial plastic response, and for loading conditions outside the shakedown region the material exhibits a rapid incremental plastic strain accumulation. The failure strain varies by an order of magnitude according to the operating conditions. Hence for high mechanical and low thermal loading the failure strain is small, while for low mechanical and high thermal loading the failure strain is large.