A STUDY OF THE MICROMECHANICAL PUSH-OUT TEST - RESPONSE OF AN SCS-6 TI-6242 COMPOSITE/

Push-out tests have been performed on unidirectional SiC-fibre/Ti-6242 -matrix composites, with samples of variable thickness and fibre volum e fraction. Experimental results show the existence of two distinct de cohesion types. SEM observations establish that these two types are ch aracterised by two decohesion sires. Since these mechanisms appear to be linked with geometrical parameters, a finite-element analysis has b een developed. This allows us to evaluate the stress field induced by the material manu facture process, the preparation of the sample and t he test itself. Two mechanisms are proposed to explain both types of b ehaviour. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser ved.