Je. Spowart et al., Multi-scale characterization of spatially heterogeneous systems: implications for discontinuously reinforced metal-matrix composite microstructures, MAT SCI E A, 307(1-2), 2001, pp. 51-66
A new multi-scale technique is presented For characterizing the spatial dis
tribution of second-phase particles in two-dimensional distributed multi-ph
ase systems. The implications for the characterization of reinforcement dis
tributions in discontinuously reinforced metallic matrix composite microstr
uctures are discussed, along with results of the analysis both for simulate
d and experimental discontinuously reinforced aluminum (DRA) materials. A s
ystematic variation in the degree of spatial heterogeneity is observed with
increasing length scale. This result leads to the definition of the parame
ter L-H or homogeneous length scale. The relevance of L-H measured for a re
al DRA microstructure is then discussed in the context of statistical varia
tions in mechanical propel ties such as tensile strength, ductility, and fr
acture toughness. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.