Role of controlled debonding along fiber/matrix interfaces in the strength and toughness of metal matrix composites

In metal matrix composites toughness is derived primarily from the plastic work of rupture of ductile matrix ligaments between the fractured fibers and from the plastic work of simple shear separation along steps connecting major fracture terraces. In the optimization of tensile strength in the longitudinal and transverse directions together with the respective works of fracture the most important factor is the control of the extent of debonding along interfaces between the fibers and the matrix, which develops locally in the course of deformation in a continuously changing mix of modes. In Al alloy matrix composites reinforced with Al₂O₃ fibers an effective means of controlling the key interface fracture toughness is through coarsening of Al₂Cu intermetallic interface precipitates which prescribe a ductile fracture separation layer. A combined experimental approach and micromechanical modeling, utilizing a specially tailored novel tension/shear: traction/separation law provides the means for further optimization of overall behavior. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Intralaminar fracture mechanism in unidirectional CFRP composites: Part I: Intralaminar toughness and AE characteristics

Three types of representative carbon fiber reinforced unidirectional composite materials were used and their intralaminar fracture behavior was investigated using the double-cantilever beam specimen with a simultaneous acoustic emission measurement. The intralaminar fracture toughness was evaluated by both the compliance method and energy area method. As a result, it was found that the intralaminar fracture toughness without bridging fibers had a constant value during crack propagation but it increased greatly when bridging fibers were present. The effect of bridging fibers on the intralaminar fracture toughness was estimated quantitatively by cutting the bridging fibers. Distinct differences in load–displacement curves, compliance, crack propagating behavior and acoustic emission signal characteristics between these three types of unidirectional composite materials were observed. It was also found that bridging fiber failure generated relatively large power spectra and contributed to the peak frequencies of 600–700 kHz in the spectrum analysis of acoustic emission (AE) signals. This suggested that the bridging fibers were also an important source of AE signals. Furthermore, a linear relationship between crack length and normalized cumulative AE event count rate was obtained.     

Fabrication of aluminum foam stabilized by copper-coated carbon fibers

Short copper-coated carbon fibers were used as novel stabilizer for aluminum foam. Aluminum foams containing 0.35, 1.0, 1.7 vol.% copper-coated carbon fibers were fabricated by a melt route. Foaming behavior and microstructure of these foams were observed. Results show that copper-coated carbon fibers can stabilize aluminum foam by preventing cell wall rupture and reducing coalescence. The fibers are mostly located inside cell wall and form a network structure, which can generate separating force and prevent cell wall from rupture. The volume fraction of copper-coated carbon fibers needed to stabilize aluminum foam is as low as 0.35 vol.%, and the foam is more stable when more fibers are used.     

Tensile test evidence of morphological structural changes in superconducting NbTi fibers and composites

Tensile stress experiments were made on single Ti 39.5 at % Nb fibers, 18.3 µm in diameter, and fiber bundles chemically extracted from a commercial superconducting composite. As the temperature decreases, the fracture stress increases, as does the fracture elongation. This abnormal behavior argues for either a very fine-scale structural change or microdeformation. Load-strain serrations, previously reported, were not observed in these small-diameter fibers.     

Inelastic behavior and fracture of high modulus polymeric fiber bundles at high strain-rates

The tensile behavior and fracture mechanisms of poly(phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) and high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fiber bundles were studied at high strain-rates using a tension Kolsky bar. For all fiber bundles investigated, a significant amount of strain energy was found to be dissipated by inelastic processes in addition to that due to fracture. The differences in microstructure and properties between the fibers were shown to have a noticeable influence on the inelasticity and fracture behavior in PPTA fiber bundles. No significant strain-rate effect on inelastic behavior and maximum strength was found in HMPE fiber bundles. Scanning electron micrographs of the fracture surfaces of PPTA fiber showed that the failure occurs mainly by fibrillation resulting in pointed breaks, and showed no fundamental difference in fracture mechanism at quasi-static and high strain-rates. However, the fracture mechanism in the HMPE fiber was different at quasi-static and high strain-rates, crazing was dominant at high strain-rates and plate formation under quasi-static conditions. This difference was more substantial in HMPE fibers with lower degree of crystalline order, which suggested that the inelastic behavior is governed by a precise mechanism of load transfer between the crystalline and amorphous phases present in HMPE fibers as a function of loading rate. At high strain-rates, HMPE fibers appear to be able to dissipate more strain energy than PPTA fibers due to this intrinsic change of deformation mechanism. Our results also support the idea that the mechanical behavior of a PPTA fiber bundle is inherently statistical including variations in strength distribution and alignment of the individual filaments.     

氧化铝短纤维增强铝基复合材料的蠕变破坏行为

研究了挤压铸造Al₂O₃短纤维增强铝基复合材料在350℃恒应力条件下的蠕变行为。蠕变试验过程中采用中断实验的方法对复合材料的显微组织进行观察,发现复合材料在蠕变过程中纤维发生断裂,弱界面发生破坏以及基体合金在应力作用下发生变形。根据复合材料在蠕变三个阶段中显微组织的变化情况,对其宏观蠕变行为进行了分析,认为位错在复合材料中滑移和攀移控制整个蠕变过程,并提出了短纤维增强金属基复合材料的蠕变断裂机理,合理地解释了复合材料的蠕变过程。      

Assessment of flexural toughness and impact resistance of bundle-type polyamide fiber-reinforced concrete

This study compares the fiber/matrix bonding strength and flexural properties of bundle-type polyamide fibers to those of hooked-end steel fibers. Their fracture behavior upon impact with a high-velocity projectile is also assessed in terms of penetration depth, crater diameter and rear-side scabbing. The results obtained demonstrate that the bundle-type polyamide fibers undergo fracture without fiber pullout because of the increased interfiber gap and specific surface area for bonding, but exhibit poorer flexural fracture behavior with a lower flexural strength and fracture energy when compared to hooked-end steel fibers. Yet despite this, concrete reinforced with bundle-type fibers is shown to more effectively suppress scabbing during high-velocity impact, which is attributed to a more efficacious dispersion of shock stress due to the increased number of individual fibers.     

Failure behavior of 3D woven composites under transverse shear

Much less research has been done on failure characteristics of composites under transverse shear, especially for 3D textile composites. This work is an attempt to this need. General characteristics of 3D composites related to the present study are first discussed. Three types of 3D woven carbon/epoxy composites were made with identical internal yarn structures but different external loop patterns. For comparison purposes, a unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite with the same numbers of axial fibers and a monolithic epoxy material were also made to reveal the role of transverse yarns in resisting the shear. To apply the transverse shear, a special fixture was used to clamp and cut the specimen using two cutters. With the fixture, no notch on the specimen is needed, and thus the interlacing loops on the surface remain intact before the test. The gap between the cutters was varied to examine its influence on the failure behavior. Damage in fibers is most intensive within the cutting zone. Microscopic observations on the induced damage were carried out. Two failure modes in axial yarns are prevailing: shear fracture and tensile rupture. Matrix cracking leading to the loss of the shear rigidity is responsible for the tensile rupture of the axial yarns. The transverse shear resulted in complex but intriguing damage modes. The loop pattern, gap length, and cutting position are the crucial influencing factors to the damage modes, maximum load, and the maximum shear displacement to failure.     

Dynamic fracture toughness of a high strength armor steel

This paper summarizes the results of a research being carried out to determine fracture behavior both in static and dynamic conditions of high strength armor steel Armox500T. In this research, notched specimens were cut to be tested in three-point bending test. Specimens were pre-cracked by flexural fatigue. Thereafter, some specimens were tested in bending up to rupture to determine the static fracture toughness K_IC. To obtain fracture toughness in dynamic conditions, a split Hopkinson bar modified to perform three-point bending tests was used. In this device, displacements and velocities of the specimen were measured, as well as the rupture time by means of fracture detection sensors, glued to the specimens. After that, a numerical simulation of the test was performed by using LS DYNA hydrocode, obtaining stresses and strain histories around the crack tip. From these results, the stress intensity factor history was derived. By using the rupture time, measured by the sensors, the value of the fracture toughness computed was unrealistic. Therefore, the use of a numerical procedure to obtain the rupture time was decided, by comparing experimental results of velocities at the transmission bar with numerical results obtained with several rupture times. With this procedure, the computation of dynamic fracture toughness was possible. The method shows that the measurement of the dynamic fracture toughness is possible without the needs of using crack sensors or strain gauges. It can be observed that fracture toughness of this steel under static and dynamic conditions is quite similar.     

Al2O3/ZrO2层状复合陶瓷的显微结构特征与强韧化的关系

利用自带能谱的扫描电镜(SEM)和透射电镜(TEM)仪,对Al2O3/ZrO2层状复合陶瓷的显微结构特征及断口形貌进行深入分析研究.研究结果表明:表面压应力的作用细化了晶粒,提高了可相变四方相的含量,增加了相变增韧的效果;沿界面两端表现出2种不同的断裂机制:界面以外靠近表面部分,其断裂主要是穿晶断裂;在基体层的断裂则表现为沿晶和穿晶混合型断裂方式.该断裂行为与ZrO2层状陶瓷的相变增韧机制密切相关.     

W丝/Zr基非晶合金复合材料动态拉伸断裂模式研究

采用霍普金森杆拉伸技术研究了W丝体积分数为80%的W丝/Zr基非晶合金复合材料的动态拉伸性能,通过扫描电镜研究了该复合材料动态拉伸断裂模式.结果表明:随着打击速度增加,复合材料动态拉伸强度和断裂应变总体呈上升趋势;复合材料的动态拉伸断裂模式以钨丝解理断裂为主导,伴随非晶合金基体产生脉纹状花样和钨丝劈裂;脉纹状花样的形态不同于在动态压缩条件下所形成的,不存在"尖脊"形貌.     

Control of Fracture Behavior of Carbon Fiber/Pitch-based Carbon Matrix Composites with Microspace Modification Concept

1.IatroductionIntheprocessingofcarbonfiber/pitch-basedcar-bonmatriXcomposites(hereafterC/Ccomposites),manyporesareusuallyformedbyvolatilizationoforganiccompoundswithlowmolecularweightdux-ingcarbonizationprocessofaprecursorpitch,andthetotalporosityoftheC/Ccompositesbecomesaround25%.InordertoimprovemechanicalproP-ertiesoftheC/Ccompositesbydecreasingtheporos-ityaslowaspossible,someeffortshavebeenmadebyusingsuchaspressurecarbonization[1~5],ad-ditionofcarbonblackorthermosettingresininto.aprecurs…     

Characterisation of elastomers fracture behavior by energetic parameters

The knowledge of fracture behavior of elastomers necessitates the comprehension of crack initiation and propagation phenomena which pose difficulties related to the deformation of elastomers. The reliability of elastomer materials is linked to their resistance to rupture. This resistance can be evaluated using the global approach of fracture mechanics. The objective of this work is to numerically analyze by finite element method the characterization of rupture behavior of these materials on the basis of energetic parameters. Consideration is given to the evolution of the deformation energy density to quantify the energy of tear of a real material identified by hyper-elastic material models.     

Experimental evaluation of fiber reinforced concrete fracture properties

Concrete is now universally recognized a construction material vital and essential for the regeneration and rehabilitation of the infrastructure of a country. The last few decades have now shown that high strength concrete, with a compressive strength of 100–120 MPa can be readily designed and manufactured. There have also been several advances made in the development of fiber reinforced concrete to control cracking and crack propagation in plain concrete, and to increase the overall ductility of the material. However, there are now many types of fibers with different material and geometric properties, and the exact fracture behavior of fiber reinforced concrete materials is not clearly understood. The overall aim of this paper is to establish the fracture properties and fracture behavior of concrete containing two widely used types of fibers, namely, steel (high modulus) and polypropylene (low modulus). The experimental investigation consisted of tests on cubes and notched prismatic specimens made from plain concrete and fiber concrete with 1% and 2% of steel or polypropylene fibers. The cube tests and the three point bending tests on notched specimens were carried out according to RILEM specifications, and extensive data on their compressive and flexural tensile behavior and fracture energy were recorded and analyzed. The results obtained from the tests are critically assessed, and it is shown that fibers contribute immensely to the structural integrity and structural stability of concrete elements and thereby improve their durable service life.     

Fracture behavior of nylon hybrid composites

Hybrid composite systems consisting of liquid crystalline polymer (LCP), short glass fibers and toughened nylon in varied ratios were studied. Dynamic mechanical results indicated that, elastomeric phase in toughened nylon 6,6 promoted a better compatibilization between nylon 6,6 and LCP in a hybrid system containing short glass fibers in comparison with one without glass fibers. Improved compatibility facilitated fibrillation of LCP phase in the skin region of the hybrid composite, thereby providing superior tensile strength. Without the presence of LCP, glass fiber reinforced toughened nylon 6,6 exhibited the least tensile strength. J-integral analysis and essential work of fracture (EWF) method were used to compare the fracture behavior of composites. Results showed that specific essential work of fracture were consistent with the critical J-integral. Matrices reinforced by LCP alone showed the best crack initiation and propagation toughnesses, followed by glass fiber reinforced and hybrid composites. The better compatibility between nylon 6,6 and LCP appeared to inhibit the interfacial debonding process, resulting in brittle fracture.     

Bend properties of sapphire fibers at elevated temperatures I: Bend survivability

The effect of temperature on the bend radius that a c-axis-oriented sapphire fiber can withstand was determined for fibers of various diameter. Bend stress rupture tests were performed for times of 1–100 h and temperatures of 300–1700 °C. Fibers would survive the bend test undeformed, would fracture or would deform. The bend survival radius was determined to be the radius above which no fibers fractured or deformed for a given time-temperature treatment. It was found that the ability of fibers to withstand curvature decreases substantially with time and increasing temperature and that fibers of smaller diameter (40–83 μm) withstood smaller bend radii than would be expected from just a difference in fiber diameter when compared with the bend results of the fibers of large diameter (144 μm). This was probably due to different flaw populations, causing high temperature bend failure for the tested sapphire fibers of different diameters.     

The Analysis of Fatigue Damage to Glass-Fiber Reinforced Composites

We perform a complex investigation of the mechanism of fatigue fracture of epoxy–fiberglass compositions (with 80 wt.% of fiberglass) by using mechanical, fractographic, and acoustic-emission methods. Flat specimens are cyclically loaded by displacement-controlled console bending. As a criterion of loss of the fatigue strength of a specimen, we use an increase in its flexibility by 40%. The lateral surfaces and cross sections of the specimens are analyzed after the attainment of this criterion. Periodically, after different numbers of lading cycles, we record acoustic-emission signals. As the basic parameter, we use the so-called MARSE energy. Different energy levels of the signals are explained by the action of different fracture mechanisms (failures of the matrix and fibers and exfoliations along the fiber–matrix boundary). This enables us to establish the periodicity and intensity of each type of signals depending on the load.     

Effect of colloidal silica on the mechanical properties of fiber–cement reinforced with cellulosic fibers

The effect of colloidal silica on the hydration reaction of the Portland cement system and its effect on the resulting mechanical properties are not completely understood. Silica nanoparticles can affect the behavior and performance of fiber–cement, such as the calcium–silicate–hydrate gel of the matrix and the fiber–matrix interface bonding. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of various contents of colloidal silica (0, 1.5, 3, 5, and 10 % w/w) on the microstructure and mechanical performance of cement composites reinforced with cellulosic pulp. Fiber–cement composites with unbleached eucalyptus Kraft pulp as the micro-fiber reinforcement were produced by the slurry dewatering technique followed by pressing. The average values of the modulus of rupture of the fiber–cement decreased with increasing colloidal silica content. However, the pullout of the fibers increased significantly in the fiber–cement composites with additions between 3 and 10 % w/w of colloidal silica suspension, as indicated in the scanning electron microscopy images and by the improvement in the energy of fracture values.     

Adhesion and friction behavior between fluorinated carbon fibers and poly (vinylidene fluoride)

The potential use of fluorinated, polyacrylonirtile-based, high strength carbon fibers as reinforcement for a fluorocarbon polymer, namely poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), was investigated by means of the single fiber pull-out test. The apparent interfacial shear strength as a measure of practical adhesion was determined and the fracture and friction behavior of the model composites characterized.It was shown that the fracture behavior of the model composites is predominately brittle in nearly all cases. Fluorination of carbon fibers has a positive impact on the adhesive strength to PVDF. The apparent interfacial shear strength increases with increasing degree of fiber surface fluorination and becomes maximal at a degree of fiber fluorination (F/C-ratio) of around 0.8, determined by ESCA, which is close to that of PVDF. This result points to the fact that the increased practical adhesion is due to a physical compatibilization between the fluorinated fibers and the surrounding PVDF matrix. It was found that, even though the interfacial shear strength increases with increasing degree of fiber surface fluorination, the friction between fluorinated carbon fibers and the surrounding PVDF decreases.     

Study on Laves phase in an advanced heat-resistant steel

The Laves phase is one of the most significant precipitates in ferritic/martensitic heat-resistant steels. Laves phase precipitates in the creep rupture specimens with different rupture life were studied on a 10 wt.% Cr heat-resistant steel. JMatPro thermodynamic and kinetic calculations were carried out to simulate and predict the precipitation behavior of the Laves phase in the steel at the equilibrium state. The morphologies of the Laves phase developed with creep time were characterized under both scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Effects of Co on the growth behavior of Laves phase and the corresponding fracture mode were analyzed. It was found that the Laves phase in the steel grew to 200 nm in size after only 1598 h at 600°C, indicating that the addition of Co in the steel could accelerate the growth of Laves phase, and the coalescence of large Laves phase would lead to the brittle intergranular fracture.