STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF DISCONTINUOUS METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

Discontinuous metal matrix composites (i.e. short fibre and particle r einforced materials) have attained a significant degree of scientific and technological maturity as advanced structural materials. Initial c ommercialisation has been achieved with the unique combinations of mec hanical and physical properties afforded by metal-ceramic systems prov ing appropriate for a variety of structural and semistructural applica tions. In recent years there has been important consolidation in the u nderstanding of basic structural properties in such composites, which are addressed in the present review. The outstanding requirement for a n improved understanding of damage tolerance characteristics in these materials is particularly noted. 'Mesoscopic' materials architectures (e.g. laminated and functionally graded materials) are also discussed and the associated potential for. development of fracture resistant di scontinuous metal composite materials highlighted.