Damage dependent micromechanics in metal matrix composites

A computational approach is used herein to model the effects of processing induced thermal residual stresses on radial, hoop, and shear stresses at the fiber/matrix interface in a continuous fiber metal matrix composite. For the case considered herein, the coefficient of thermal expansion in the matrix is approximately a factor of 4 greater than that in the fiber. It is found that the predicted residual stresses caused by cooldown tend to enhance the development of radial cracks, whereas interfacial cracks tend to be diminished.

Damage dependent micromechanics in metal matrix composites Conference Paper