Compressive failure of alumina continuous fibre reinforced Al-4.5 wt-%Cu alloy at elevated temperatures

Alumina continuous fibre reinforced Al-4.5 wt-%Cu alloy composite specimens were compressed in the axis direction at room temperature, 200 degrees C, 300 degrees C, and 400 degrees C. The compressive stress-end shortening rel ationships at all test temperatures were similar to the elastic response, b ut with some non-linearity shortly before the macro failures. Composite com pressive stress declined at elevated temperatures. The difference between t he failure strength and the onset failure strength decreased with increase in temperature. The dominant failure mode at room temperature and 200 degre es C was that of buckling, but it changed to kinking at elevated temperatur es. Composite compressive behaviour at all test temperatures conformed to p lastic buckling theory.