RECOVERY STRAIN AND CREEP IN METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES

The modelling of creep in short fibre reinforced metal matrix composit es (MMCs) is discussed concerning two microstructural concepts. Both, the soft and hard region approach (SHR) and the plastic strain transfe r between hardening and recovery classes are considered as the importa nt principles to rationalise the microstructural evolution as well as the strain accumulation kinetics during creep of MMCs. A microstructur al model of creep in MMCs is presented which takes these fundamental p rinciples fully into account. The model predicts correctly not only th e shape of the individual creep curves and the stress and temperature dependences of the minimum creep rate but also the microstructural evo lution in terms of fibre breakage kinetics.