SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1981
STP27616S

Mechanism of Fatigue in Boron-Aluminum Composites

Source

A fatigue model for unidirectionally reinforced composites that are loaded parallel to the fibers is proposed that is based upon the growth of interfacial fatigue cracks. Certain predictions of the model are verified by experimental results, namely, that the rate of crack growth is independent of crack length and that the fatigue life at >106 cycles is relatively insensitive to the mean stress. Depending upon whether the matrix is elastic or elastic-plastic, a different dependency of the rate of crack growth on stress results, but the data available are insufficient to make a precise distinction between the two cases. In addition, at higher stress amplitudes the tensile rupture mode of separation becomes increasingly important, a fact dealt with only empirically by the model. It is concluded that for loading parallel to the fibers the most fatigue resistant composites will consist of strong, uniform, and defect-free fibers in a relatively soft matrix.

Author Information

Gouda, M
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.
Prewo, KM
United Technologies Research Laboratories, E. Hartford, Conn.
McEvily, AJ
Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn.
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Details
Developed by Committee: E08
Pages: 101–115
DOI: 10.1520/STP27616S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4793-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0719-9