CONTINUOUS-FIBER REINFORCED AL COMPOSITES - A NEW-GENERATION

The mechanical and physical properties of aluminum-matrix composites r einforced with high-performance continuous alumina fibers are reviewed and compared with those of other structural materials. Continuous-fib er reinforced aluminum-matrix composites offer outstanding improvement s in specific strength and specific stiffness over conventional alloys and particulate composites. The longitudinal tensile strength of an a luminum matrix reinforced with 55-65 vol.% alumina fibers is in the ra nge of 1.4-1.9 GPa, the longitudinal Young's modulus is 220-240 GPa, a nd the density is 3.2-3.4 g/cm(3). The mechanisms of strengthening and fracture under longitudinal, transverse, and shear loading are review ed. Examples of applications are presented that are representative of the range of product forms being developed.