MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF ALUMINUM-BASED METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH ALPHA-ALUMINA PLATELETS

The tensile properties of an aluminium-based metal matrix composite re inforced with a-alumina platelets were investigated from an experiment al and a theoretical point of view. An increase in Young modulus, 0,2% proof stress, flow stress and ultimate tensile strength was observed over the unreinforced metal. These improvements were obtained at the e xpense of the tensile ductility. The experimental results were analyze d using both a dislocation model and a continuum model based on an ite rative Eshelby method.