Multiscale study of fatigue behaviour of composite materials by χ-rays computed tomography

The study of microstructure and damage mechanism of elastomeric matrix (EMC), wooden plastic (WPC) and also metal matrix (MMC) composites involves a complicated interplay between material properties and service conditions. So, the study of texture deformation and fatigue behaviour of EMC, WPC and MMC specimens is of considerable practical interest. On the other hand, the occurrence of defect in specimens in working conditions is an important problem. It is necessary to improve the microstructure for delaying instability, in order to obtain a higher service capacity. This paper presents the in-situ observation of damage by using Z-rays computed tomography (CT) Medical Scanner installed in the ITMA research centre for evaluating the fatigue behaviour of EMC, WPC and MMC. A tomographic inner-health analysis will be given from 2D slices of the examined parts in laboratory scale on the WPC, EMC and MMC specimens used in automotive industry and aeronautical fields. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.