A computational finite element analysis for predicting the effects of environmental degradation on life in metal matrix composites
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abstract
Continuum thermomechanics is utilized herein to determine the effects of environmental degradation on a SCS-6/Ti- 21S four ply unidirectional continuous fiber metal matrix composite subjected to cyclic fatigue loading at elevated temperature. Due to multiple nonlinearities including damage growth and matrix thermoviscoplasticity, the analyses are performed computationally using the finite element method. Matrix inelasticity is modelled with the Bodner anisotropic hardening viscoplasticity model. Environmental degradation is accounted for by including an outer surface layer that is embrittled due to oxidation. Experimental evidence indicates that oxidation-related surface layer embrittlement can reduce the life of these composites by a factor of five or greater. Analyses reported herein indicate that matrix inelasticity loads to an early load redistribution in low cycle isothermal fatigue. 1996 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.