01.01.2007
A. Ríos1, A. Martín-Meizoso1
The influence of the properties of the interface (initial damage and interfacial debonding), between the fibre and the matrix (in metal matrix composite reinforced with continuous fibre), is studied in this work. The micromechanical model employed for this analysis is elaborated through finite element method (FEM). The interface properties are incorporated by means of cohesive elements, which show the place where the debonding starts, as well as, the propagation of the fracture between the matrix and the fibre (when the composite material undergoes transverse tension
at 20ºC and 550ºC). Data required for these cohesive elements (adhesion energy, debonding stress) have been obtained from push-out tests. The effect of the thermal residual stress in the material composite (which are generated during its manufacture), different fibre arrangements (square and hexagonal) and volume fractions of fibre are considered in this model. Also, the Cu matrix takes into account a power law creep as a user subroutine.
