RESPONSE OF METAL-MATRIX LAMINATES WITH TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT PROPERTIES

An analytical, inelastic micromechanical model, with temperature-depen dent matrix properties, is employed to study metal matrix composite (M MC) laminates subjected to thermomechanical loading. The predictions a re based on knowledge of the thermomechanical response of transversely isotropic, elastic graphite or silicon carbide fibers and elastic-vis coplastic, work-hardening, temperature-dependent titanium or aluminum matrix. The model is applied to predict initial yielding and thermomec hanical response of silicon carbide/titanium and graphite/aluminum lam inates. The results demonstrate the effect of cooling from a stress-fr ee temperature and the mismatch of thermal and mechanical properties o f the constituent phases on the laminate's subsequent mechanical respo nse. Typical results are presented for [+/-45]x laminates subjected to monotonic tension, cyclic tension/compression, biaxial tension, and t hermal loadings. It is shown that inclusion of temperature-dependent p roperties has a significant influence on both the initial yield surfac e and the inelastic response of metal matrix composites. It is also sh own that the degree of applied biaxial loading has a significant effec t on the response of laminates.