Continuous Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Research Articles

Effect of fiber cross section geometry on cyclic plastic behavior of continuous fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites

This paper investigates the cyclic plastic behavior of continuous fiber-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (CFAMCs) with different shape of fiber cross section arranged in a square packing geometry. The 2D micromechanical FEM models, composed of elastic undamaged reinforcement perfectly bonded to an elastic-perfectly plastic matrix with a volume fraction equal to 30%, are subjected to off-axis constant macro stress and a cyclic temperature history. under such load conditions, the matrix undergoes large internal inelastic deformations potentially leading to internal crack initiation as well as macroscopic ratcheting. The computational method, the Linear Matching Method (LMM), is used throughout the analysis for the direct evaluation of shakedown, alternating plasticity and ratcheting behaviors. The effect of the matrix yield stress thermal degradation upon two common design limits, i.e., the reverse plasticity limit and the ratchet limit, is also investigated and discussed, including its influence on the off-axis low cycle fatigue crack initiation.

Continuous Carbon Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites - A Review

The physical and mechanical properties that can be obtained with metal matrix composites (MMCs) have made them attractive candidate materials for aerospace, automotive and numerous other applications. In this paper, the current fabrication methods of continuous fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites are briefly described.

Influence of microstructure on axial strength of unidirectional continuous fibre reinforced aluminium matrix composites

Systematic empirical investigations on the relationship between microstructural features and mechanical performance of unidirectionally reinforced continuous fibre Al matrix composites (CFAMCs) carried out by the present authors in recent years are summarised. The employment of a high strength matrix alloy and the development of a strong fibre/matrix interface are beneficial to maximise the strengthening effect of the fibre reinforcement. Processing defects, such as second brittle phases in the matrix, non-infiltration defects, matrix solidification shrinkage voids, excessive interfacial reactions, the presence of reaction products on the interface, weak interfacial binding, and excessively high fibre volume fraction reduce composite strength to different extents via a number of different mechanisms. Criteria for the microstructure design of CFAMCs for optimum fibre strengthening efficiency are proposed.

Compressive strength of continuous fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Aluminum matrix composites can exhibit exceptionally high compressive strength (ε 4 GPa). The main failure mechanism has been identified to be plastic kinking, although an upper bound seems to be attained when the fibers reach their compressive strength. The experimental results are consistent with a plastic kinking model in strain hardening composites. The important parameters controlling the compressive strength are the composite shear modulus, the shear yield strength, the strain hardening rate and the maximum initial fiber misorientation. Interfaces can also play an important role; composites reinforced with weakly bonded fibers have a reduced compressive strength due to their low shear strength in the fiber direction. The results can be used to design composite systems with high compressive strengths; in practice this is done by selecting matrices with high yield strengths and fast hardening rates.