Particle size dependence of fatigue crack propagation in SiC particulate-reinforced aluminium alloy composites

Fatigue crack propagation (FCP) and fracture mechanisms have been studied for two orientations in powder metallurgy 2024 aluminium alloy matrix composites reinforced with three different sizes of silicon carbide particles. Particular attention has been paid to make a better understanding for the mechanistic role of particle size. The FCP rates of the composites decreased with increasing particle size regardless of orientation and were slightly faster in the FCP direction parallel to the extrusion direction. After allowing for crack closure, the differences in FCP rate among the composites and between two orientations were significantly diminished, but the composites showed lower FCP rates than the corresponding unreinforced alloy. Fracture surface roughness was found to be more remarkable with increasing particle size and in the FCP direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction. Taking into account the difference in the modulus of elasticity in addition to crack closure, the differences in FCP rate between the unreinforced alloy and the composites were almost eliminated.     

Effects of changes in temperature on fatigue crack growth of adhesively bonded Al 2080/SiC/20p-2080 Al laminated composites

The effects of changes in test temperature from 25 to – 125°C on the fatigue crack propagation of 2080/SiC/20p-2080 adhesive bonded laminates (ABL) with volume fraction ratio of 60/40 tested in the crack arrestor orientation were investigated. The fatigue behavior of the laminates was significantly different than that of the individual laminae as well as other types of laminates (i.e., diffusion bonded laminates). The fatigue crack growth behavior of the ABL's was significantly affected by the test temperature, particularly when the fatigue cracks approached and entered the adhesive layers. In-situ monitoring of fatigue crack growth and post mortem analyses were used to determine the likely source(s) of the effects of changes in test temperature and differences between the ABL and its constituents.     

Interlaminar fatigue crack propagation in continuous glass fiber/polypropylene composites

The mode II interlaminar fatigue crack propagation behavior of unidirectional continuous glass fiber (GF) composites with a polypropylene (PP) matrix obtained under three different molding conditions has been studied with the use of the end-notch flexure (ENF) geometry. The microstructure and mechanical performance, especially the interlaminar fatigue crack propagation, are strongly affected by the molding conditions. Comparative results reveal a major influence of the fiber–matrix interface and the matrix morphology on the crack propagation resistance. The distribution of the ductile amorphous PP phase in the semi-crystalline PP matrix appears to be the controlling parameter determining the fatigue crack propagation resistance of the PP/GF composite. Fractographic observations clearly showed the role of this phase.     

Study on stress evolution in SiC particles during crack propagation in cast hybrid metal matrix composites using Raman spectroscopy

The evolution of stress in the SiC particles during crack propagation under monotonic loading in a cast hybrid MMC was investigated by micro Raman spectroscopy. The experiment was carried out in situ in the Raman spectroscopy. Experimental results showed that cracks due to monotonic loading propagated by the debonding of the particle/matrix interface and particle fracture. Secondary cracks those formed in front of the main crack tip coalesced with the main crack in subsequent loading and final failure occurred. A high decrease in stress (several hundreds in MPa) was observed with the interfacial debonding at the interface and with the particle fracture on the particle. Moreover, the critical tensile stresses for particle–matrix interface debonding and particle fracture developed in hybrid MMC were also estimated during the crack propagation.     

Thermal damage effects on mode II interlaminar fatigue crack propagation of graphite/epoxy composites

The relative change in mode II interlaminar crack propagation performance of graphite/epoxy specimens was determined as a function of isothermal overheating up to 300°C. Various periods up to 30 min were chosen to simulate a fire-extinguishing procedure. End-notched flexure (ENF) specimens of 24-ply unidirectional graphite/epoxy laminates with a starter film, Teflon, introduced at the mid-thickness of the laminate were prepared. The mode II cyclic delamination growth rate and interlaminar shear strength were determined. The mode II strain energy release rate was calculated from load-displacement results. The interlaminar shear strength change in the response of thermal damage was determined according to ASTM D2344 standard. Fracture surfaces were also examined using a SEM in order to identify the microfailure modes and clarify the mechanisms of degradation.     

Effect of crystalline morphology on fatigue crack propagation in polyethylene

An investigation of the influence of crystalline morphology on fatigue crack propagation (FCP) resistance in a slightly branched polyethylene is presented. Various thermal histories have been utilized to generate samples with different crystalline microstructures and the samples were characterized thoroughly using standard methods. Estimation of tie molecule densities was obtained from measurements of brittle fracture stress. Differences in FCP behaviour for the quenched and annealed samples were shown to be dictated by a competing effect between the degree of crystallinity and tie molecule density. Further, larger spherulite size and distribution appeared to have a deleterious effect on fatigue properties. In general, crystalline microstructure is shown to have a significant influence on fatigue crack propagation behaviour.     

Effect of liquid gallium on fatigue crack propagation in brass

Abstract

To date there have been few studies of the effects of liquid metals on fatigue crack propagation. In this paper, the effects of liquid gallium on the room temperature fatigue crack propagation characteristics of a leaded brass are examined. In particular, the effects of load ratio and cyclic frequency are studied. Previous models for the effect of liquid metal on fatigue crack propagation are discussed in the context of this work and a new model for fatigue crack propagation in liquid metals is proposed.

MST/1889     

Effect of thickness on ductile fatigue crack propagation in polycarbonate

Resistance to slow fatigue crack propagation in polycarbonate is investigated with respect to specimen thickness. In the thickness range considered (0.33–3.22 mm), microscopic analysis reveals that a zone of yielded material constitutes the resistance to crack propagation. As the sheet thickness is increased, the amount of yielded material per unit crack surface is reduced. Consequently, faster crack growth rates are observed with increasing specimen thickness. Crack layer theory is applied to analyse crack propagation kinetics and stability. Accordingly, a specific enthalpy of damage (yielding) is found constant for the thickness range considered and is equal to 60 J g^–1 . It is further noticed that as the thickness increases, resistance to crack initiation increases.     

基于应力强度因子评估WCP形状对WCP/Fe复合材料热疲劳裂纹扩展行为的影响

应力强度因子在断裂力学中广泛应用于预测由远程载荷或残余应力引起的裂缝尖端附近应力状态。本文基于平面应力条件下应力强度因子建立WC_P形状与其尖端应力之间的规律,利用有限元分析软件对含不同形状WC_P的WC_P/Fe复合材料的热应力进行模拟仿真,研究WC_P形状对WC_P/Fe复合材料热疲劳裂纹扩展行为的影响。研究结果表明,WC_P的形状显著影响应力强度因子,进一步影响WC_P/Fe复合材料的热疲劳裂纹扩展行为。含球状和不规则状WC_P的WC_P/Fe复合材料的极限抗压强度分别约为460 MPa和370 MPa。含不规则状WC_P的WC_P/Fe复合材料因应力集中而容易产生脆性开裂现象。通过热震实验进行验证,发现实验结果与模拟仿真结果相近,说明有限元法的准确性,同时为WC_P/Fe复合材料的热疲劳裂纹扩展行为研究提供科学依据和理论基础。      

基于同步辐射X射线的SiC颗粒/Al复合材料变形损伤

通过原位X射线成像系统研究了两种SiC粒径配比（45 μm和（45+100）μm）对70vol% SiC颗粒（SiC_P）/Al复合材料变形损伤行为的影响。在准静态压缩加载下,利用X射线数字图像相关方法（XDIC）计算了SiC_p/Al复合材料在不同变形阶段的应变场分布。宏观应力-应变曲线表明,因颗粒尺寸引起的SiC_p/Al复合材料的强度差异较小,但粒径配比为45 μm的SiC_P/Al的延展性明显优于（100+45）μm的SiC_P/Al。细观应变场分析表明,粒径配比为（100+45）μm的SiC_P/Al比45 μm的SiC_P/Al更早出现变形损伤带,且前者在变形后期其应变场不均匀性更高。这是由于（100+45）μm SiC_P/Al中更早在大颗粒附近出现应变集中点,而且这些集中点会迅速长大和汇聚进而形成宏观裂纹,导致材料更早失效和破坏。因此,减小颗粒尺寸和促进颗粒均匀分布有利于提高颗粒增强金属基复合材料的延展性。断口回收分析表明:两种颗粒尺寸的SiC_P/Al复合材料的断裂模式都属于脆性断裂,且断口中都发现有颗粒破坏和界面脱粘现象存在。      

Micromechanism of fracture in Al/SiC composites

An SEM study was made of the micromechanism of fracture in SiC particle-reinforced 6061 aluminium composites. The fracture toughness tests on the composites with SiC volume fractions of 0%, 10% and 20% were conducted on single-edge notched sheet specimens. Both qualitative observations of void nucleation at the notch root of the composite samples and quantitative measurements of crack profiles are made to assess the special role of the particle effects in these composites. The results are discussed with respect to the micromechanism of particle breakage and interface debonding and their effect on the nucleation and propagation of microcracks. Two kinds of void are defined to explain the facts that Al/SiC is brittle macroscopically and ductile microscopically. The direction of crack propagation in Al/SiC and the microstructure in the tip region of the crack are also studied with these results.     

In situ observation of cyclic fatigue crack propagation of SiC-fiber/SiC composite at room temperature

In situ observation of cyclic fatigue crack propagation of SiC-fiber reinforced SiC composite at room temperature has been carried out by laser microscopy. Both smooth (unnotched) and notched specimens are used for tension-tension cyclic fatigue tests. Cracks initiate at the comers of large pores during loading in smooth specimens. In notched specimens cracks are formed at the interfaces between fibers and matrix that are connected to the notch. The balance between the fiber bridging in the wake of propagating crack tip and the breakage of bridged fibers by the degradation of interfaces maintains a steady cyclic crack propagation. Crack propagation rate gradually decreases with time after the maximum load being applied.     

Effects of particle size on fatigue crack initiation and small crack growth in SiC particulate-reinforced aluminium alloy composites

Fatigue crack initiation and small crack growth were studied under axial loading using powder metallurgy 2024 aluminum-matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles of three different sizes of 5, 20 and 60 μm. The 5 and 20 μm SiC_p/Al composites exhibited nearly the same fatigue strength as the unreinforced alloy, while the 60 μm SiC_p/Al composite showed a significantly lower fatigue strength due to its inferior crack initiation resistance that could be attributed to interface debonding between particles and the matrix. Small crack growth behaviour was different depending on stress level. At a low applied stress, the addition of SiC particles enhanced the growth resistance, particularly in the composites reinforced with coarser particles, while at a high applied stress, the 60 μm SiC_p/Al composite showed a considerably low growth resistance, which could be attributed to interaction and coalescence of multiple cracks. In the 5 μm SiC_p/Al composite, small cracks grew avoiding particles and thus few particles appearing on the fracture surfaces were seen, particularly in small crack size region. In the 20 and 60 μm SiC_p/Al composites, they grew along interfaces between particles and the matrix and the number of particles appearing on the fracture surfaces increased with increasing crack size or maximum stress intensity factor.     

Effect of isothermal exposure on fatigue crack growth in boron-titanium composites

Fatigue crack growth testing has been applied to boron/Ti-6Al-4V composites in order to investigate simultaneously crack propagation mechanisms during the fatigue and overload portion of the experiments. It is concluded that linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) for heterogeneous and anisotropic materials facilitates understanding of the rupture mechanisms and the assessment of failure work and toughness. The influence of isothermal exposure on crack propagation mechanisms has been pointed out. A short duration heat treatment at 850 C improves the composite toughness and reduces the fatigue crack growth rate although the fibrematrix (FM) interfacial bonding is increased. This effect has been related to a damage mechanism initiated in the interfacial reaction zone. In any case, the fatigue behaviour of the composite is controlled by the matrix and the capability of the fibres to function as crack arrestors. The impeding effect of the fibres is no longer effective when the thermal exposure duration is significant.     

Dynamic crack propagation in composites

A study of the behaviour of cracked composite specimens under dynamic tensile load was undertaken. The crack propagation in the two-phase epoxy resin specimens was studied by the method of high speed photography along with the optical method of caustics.Our investigation was concentrated both on the dependence of the maximum crack propagation velocity and the stress intensity factor at the crack tip upon the different material combinations of the composite, as well as on the role of the interface again in regard to the crack propagation and the singular stress field concentrations at the crack tip.The results show that, under a given value of the applied dynamic load and given notch dimensions, the stress intensity factor at the crack tip and the crack propagation velocity in each phase of the composite is highly dependent on the material characteristics of each phase and on the existence of a stable interface between the two phases.More concretely, it was proved that the interface plays the role of a barrier to the crack propagation. Indeed, the crack propagates with a certain maximum velocity in the first phase of the composite and then stops momentarily when it reaches the interface, thus attaining later in the second phase a new maximum velocity.The maximum velocity and the stress intensity factor in the second phase of the composite specimens strongly depend on the material characteristics of the first (notched) phase and are also highly influenced by the crack arrest process itself.The crack propagation and the stress field concentrations at the crack tip in the first phase of the composite specimens is mainly independent from the material characteristics of the second phase of the composite specimens.

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Résumé On a entrepris une étude sur le comportement d'éprouvettes composites figurées sous contrainte de traction dynamique. La propagation de la fissure dans des éprouvettes de résine Epoxy à 2 phases a été étudiée par la méthode de photographie en grande vitesse ainsi qu'en utilisant la méthode optique des caustiques.L'étude a été concentrée à la fois sur la dépendance de la vitesse maximum de propagation d'une fissure ainsi que du facteur d'intensité d'entaille à l'extrémité d'une fissure sur les différentes combinaisons de matériaux pouvant constituer le composite et sur le rôle de l'interface existant entre la propagation de la fissure et les concentrations de champs de contrainte à l'extrémité de la fissure.Les résultats montrent que, sous des valeurs déterminées de la charge dynamique appliquée et pour des dimensions d'entaille donnée, le facteur d'intensité des contraintes à l'extrémité de la fissure et la vitesse de propagation de la fissure dans chacune des phases du composite dépend dans une large mesure des caractéristiques du matériau de chaque phase et de l'existence d'un interface stable entre les 2 phases.Concrètement parlant, on a pu établir que l'interface joue le rôle d'une barrière à la propagation de la fissure. En effet, la fissure se propage avec une certaine vitesse maximum dans la première phase du composite et ensuite s'arrête momentanément lorsqu'elle atteint l'interface jusqu'à reprendre sa course dans la deuxième phase du composite avec une nouvelle vitesse maximum.La vitesse maximum et le facteur d'intensité des contraintes dans la seconde phase de l'éprouvette composite dépend fortement des caractéristiques du matériau de la première phase (la phase entaillée) et sont également largement influencés par le processus d'arrêt des fissures lui-même.La propagation des fissures et les concentrations du champ de contrainte à l'extrémité de la fissure dans la première phase d'une éprouvette composite est généralement indépendant des caractéristiques du matériau de la deuxième phase de ce même échantillon.

     

Microstructure and environment-dependent fatigue crack propagation properties of Ti-48Al intermetallics

Fatigue crack propagation properties of Ti-48Al were studied by means of in-situ observation of the crack growth process under vacuum and air conditions. Three types of microstructures, namely, as-cast, duplex and fully lamellar structure were investigated in the present study. The results show that the crack growth behavior is dependent on the microstructure and the angle between the crack growth direction and orientation of lamellar colonies. The preferred path of crack propagation through the weakest phase of the structure associated with microcracking within the crack tip plastic zone has been investigated. The accelerated crack growth observed in air environment is attributed to absorption of air humidity at the crack tip plastic zone. This phenomenon is apparent through the observation of crack propagation process and the resulting fractured surface.