The Bauschinger effect in a SiC/Al composite

An interesting mechanical property of SiC/Al composites is that the tensile yield stress is less than the compressive yield stress, even though the apparent modulus in tension is greater than that in compression. An investigation was undertaken to determine if the Bauschinger effect (BE) in a SiC/Al composite is asymmetrical. It was found that the BE is indeed asymmetrical in the case of the composite and the magnitude of the BE increases with total forward strain. These results can be explained in terms of the changes in ''back stress'' caused by the changes in the residual stress and the work hardening during forward strain.