A numerical model for calculation of stress intensity factors in particle-reinforced metal–matrix composites

A two-dimensional finite element model was developed to study effects of particle diameter, mechanical properties of the fiber and matrix materials and loading conditions (Mode 1 and Mixed-Mode). A theoretical model was proposed to calculate the stress intensity factor for an interface crack in Particle-Reinforced Metal–Matrix Composites. The displacement Correlation Method was used to calculate the stress intensity factors K ₁ and K ₂. In the present model the fiber and matrix materials were modeled in linear elastic conditions. The interface crack was considered between the fiber and matrix, without the presence of the interphase. Obtained results show that the key role on the stress intensity factors played by the relative elastic properties of the fiber and matrix. The results also show that K ₁ and absolute K ₂ values increase for both Mode 1 and mixed-mode loading condition once Young’s modulus of the fiber material increases. The values of K ₁ and K ₂ stress intensity factors decrease when the fiber volume fraction increases for Mode 1 loading.     

A simple method for measuring tensile and shear bond strength of ceramic-ceramic and metal-ceramic joining

A simple method for measuring the ceramic-ceramic and metal-ceramic bond strength was presented, by which uniaxial tensile stress normal to the interface or shear stress in the interface can be produced using uniaxial compression load on a cross-bonded sample. Both tensile and shear bond strength were obtained by this testing technique for Ti₃SiC₂–TiO₂ and Ti₃SiC₂–Al₂O₃ composite as well as for glued steel samples, respectively. The novel method provided a solution for determining bond strength in solid (especially brittle) materials, and it is also demonstrated as a useful method for evaluating the tensile and shear strength of various glues. Electronic Publication