Thermal expansion coefficient in a real fiber-reinforced metal matrix composite

Abstract

Physical and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) depend strongly on fiber orientation. It is therefore very important to measure orientation distribution of whiskers. The orientation dependence of Thermal Expansion Coefficient (TEC) has been predicted theoretically by Takao (1) using Eshelby (2) and Mori-Tanaka (3) (4) theories. However, available experimental data have not been reported enough since obtaining the distribution of whiskers orientation in three dimensional space (3D) is not easy. In this paper, first the authors propose a convenient method to measure the orientation distribution of whiskers in 3D space and present three different examples in a SiCw/2014 MMC. Secondly, the experimental data on TECs of the above specimens are presented with and emphasis on their anisotropic features. Finally, theoretical predictions using Takao`s method are examined.