MECHANICAL-BEHAVIOR OF LAMINATED METAL COMPOSITES

Laminated metal composites (LMCs) are a unique form of composite mater ial in which alternating metal or metal containing layers are bonded t ogether with discrete interfaces. The mechanical properties of these m aterials are reviewed. The tensile properties at low and high temperat ures are described. At low temperature, very high tensile strengths ca n be achieved in deposition processed laminates and very high tensile ductilities can be achieved in roll bonded laminates by layer thicknes s refinement. At high temperature, superplasticity has been observed a nd agrees with predictions from constitutive creep relations. Damage c ritical properties (such as fracture toughness, fatigue, and impact be haviour) and damping can be superior to those exhibited by the compone nt materials. The damage critical properties are strongly influenced b y local delaminations at layer interfaces. Mechanisms responsible for many of the unique properties of LMCs have been proposed. The influenc e of processing, laminate architecture, and microstructure on these me chanisms and properties are described. (C) 1996 The Institute of Mater ials and ASM International.