STRENGTH-LIMITED DESIGN OF COMPOSITE MONOLITH TRANSITIONS IN METALLICSTRUCTURES/

The failure modes expected for transitions between metal-matrix compos ites and monolithic metals have been analysed, with special emphasis o n aluminium-matrix (AMC) materials. The results have been displayed as mechanism maps that identify parameter ranges within which each failu re mode predominates: the variables are the relative dimensions and th e material properties. Both metallurgically-bonded and mechanically-bo nded attachments have been considered. The implementation of the maps for strength optimization has been illustrated for AMC/Al transitions, with emphasis on the avoidance of modes that cause abrupt (rather tha n gradual) failure. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.