Tensile failure micro mechanisms of 6061 aluminum reinforced with sub micron Al2O3 metal-matrix composites

Abstract EN

A particle reinforced metal matrix composite (PRMMC) consists of a uniform distribution of strengthening ceramic particles embedded within a metal matrix.

In general, these materials exhibit higher strength and stiffness, in addition to isotropic behavior at a lower density, when compared to the un-reinforced matrix material.

From the mechanical behavior standpoint, the main drawback of these materials is their reduced ductility, believed to be caused by the nucleation, growth, and coalescence of voids due to the presence of the ceramic reinforcements.

The main objective of this paper is to determine the damage and failure processes of PRMMC caused by tensile loadings.

This study, through the use of SEM fracture analysis, shows that the main fracture mechanism is based on void nucleation.

Test results also show that both the modulus of elasticity (E) and tensile strength (σu), increased with the increase in volume fraction of the reinforcement (vf).