Quasi-static and dynamic compression behaviour of an FP (TM) alumina-reinforced aluminium metal matrix composite

An aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with continuous unidirection al alpha-alumina fibres has been compression tested at quasi-static and dyn amic strain rates. In the transverse direction, the composite showed increa sing flow stress (at 5% strain) and maximum stress within the studied strai n rates, 10(-3)-3 x 10(3) s(-1). In the longitudinal direction, the maximum stress of the composite increased similarly with increasing strain rates w ithin the range 10(-5)-7 x 10(2) s(-1). If is shown that, if brooming of th e sam pie ends can be suppressed, the failure stress of the composite in lo ngitudinal compression increases significantly. Metallographic observations reveal the typical modes of damage initiation in the composite. (C) 1998 K luwer Academic Publishers.