THERMAL-EXPANSION OF METALS REINFORCED WITH CERAMIC PARTICLES AND MICROCELLULAR FOAMS

The thermal expansion of three isotropic metal-matrix composites, rein forced with SiC particles or microcellular foam, is measured between 2 5 degrees C and 325 degrees C. All three composites show initial coeff icient of thermal expansion (CTE) values in agreement with the Turner model predictions, and near Schapery's lower-elastic bound for CTE. At higher temperatures, the CTE of foam-reinforced Al decreases, while t hat of the two particle-reinforced composites increases. These observa tions are interpreted las resulting from the presence of a very small fraction of microscopic voids within the infiltrated composites. This interpretation is confirmed With finite-element simulations of the inf luence of voids, cracks, and reinforcement convexity in two-dimensiona l (2-D) composites featuring: an interconnected reinforcement of SiC s urrounding isolated Al phase regions, thermally cycled from an elevate d processing temperature: and deforming in generalized plane strain.