AUTOMATED DEFORMATION MAPPING IN METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

A new technique, automated deformation mapping (ADM), has been develop ed and used to map the mechanical response of the fiber and matrix in a single-fiber SiC SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V composite. The technique employs a novel combination of fiducial gridding and computer-aided image analys is using cross-correlation for feature location. Two problems in trans verse tensile loading were addressed: interface separation and matrix flow near the fiber. Fiber/matrix separation was detected at a composi te stress of 200 MPa. Matrix flow was found to be consistent with fini te element analysis of the component.