The mechanical properties of composites are significantly influenced by the
properties of the fiber/matrix interface. From a fundamental as well as an
interface development standpoint it is necessary to determine the bond str
ength of interface. The calculated value of the interface bond strength is
extremely sensitive to the value of the compressive radial residual stress
at the interface since this residual stress has to be overcome before inter
face separation can occur. In this study, neutron diffraction was employed
to measure radial residual stresses in SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V composites. A combin
ation of stress measurements, finite element analyses and transverse tensio
n tests was employed to systematically evaluate the interface bond strength
. The fiber/matrix interface bond strength for SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V composites w
as determined to be about 140 MPa. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All right
s reserved.