PREDICTING HIGH-TEMPERATURE ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF CONTINUOUS FIBER METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

A model to predict the high temperature ultimate strength of a continuous fiber metal matrix composite (CFMMC) has been developed. The model extends the work of Rosen by including high temperature processes such as matrix creep, fiber-matrix debond, and the effects of randomly spaced fiber breaks which typically exist in the MMC prior to loading. A finite element model (FEM), developed in the form of a representative volume element (RVE), is used to calculate the time-dependent stress field surrounding a fiber break. Variables included in the calculation are process-related parameters such as the fiber diameter, the fiber-matrix interface strength, and interface roughness. Statistical analysis is used to infer the strength of a large composite sample from the stress analysis of a single break provided by the FEM.