Effect of heat treatments on failure, mechanism of SiCp/2124-Al composite

Abstract

The mechanical response of a 17% (volume fraction) silicon carbide particle reinforced 2124 Al composite prelared by powder metallurgy techniques was studied by altering the matrix strength with different heat 'treatments. The fracture mechanisrns and the deformation microstructure were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that matrix strength appears to play an important role in influcing the behaviour of the composite under hardness and tensile loading conditions and also fracture mechanisms. The high matrix strength results in a larger decrease in yield strength due to the increasing damage probability. The tensile yield strength values decrease under peak aged and overaged condition whereas under the solutinized condition the opposite effect can be seen.