An Application of the Modified Shear Lag Model to Study the Influence of Thermal Residual Stresses on the Stiffness and Yield Strength of Short Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

The modified shear lag model proposed recently was applied to calculate thermal residual stresses and subsequent stress distributions under tensile and compressive loadings. The expressions for the elastic moduli and the yield strengths under tensile and compressive loadings were derived which take account of thermal residual stresses. The asymmetries in the elastic modulus and the yield strength were interpreted using the derived expressions and the obtained results of the stress calculations. The model predictions have exhibited good agreements with the experimental results and also with the other theoretical predictions

A New Modification to Shear Lag Model as Applied to Stiffness and Yield Strength of Short Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

A new modification for the shear lag model is given and the expressions for the stiffness and yield Strength of short fiber metal matri×composite are derived. These expressions are then compared with our experimental data in a SiCw/Al-Li T6 composite and the published experimental data on different SiCw/Al T6 composites and also compared with the previous shear lag models and the other theoretical models.

Solidification microstructures in a short fiber reinforced alloy composite containing different fiber fractions

The solidification microstructures and micro-segregation of a fiber reinforced Al-9 Cu alloy, containing different volume fractions of Al2O3 short fibers about 6 μm diameter and made by squeeze casting have been studied. The results indicate that as volume fraction of fiber Vf increases, the size of final grains becomes finer in the matrix. If λf /λ>1, the fibers have almost no influence on the solidification behavior of the matrix, so the final grains grow coarse, where λf is the average inter-fiber spacing and λ is the secondary dendrite arm spacing. While if λf /λ<1, the growth of crystals in the matrix is affected significantly by the fibers and the grain size is reduced to the value of the inter-fiber spacing. The fibers influence the average length of a solidification volume element L of the matrix and also influence the solidification time θt of the matrix. As a result of fibers influencing L and θt, the micro-segregation in the matrix is improved when the composite contains more fibers, although the level of the improvement is slight. The Clyne-Kurz model can be used to semi-quantitatively analyze the relationship between Vf and the volume fraction fe of the micro-segregation eutectic structure.

Aging behavior of Al_2O_3 short fiber reinforced Al-Cu alloy composites

Al2O3 short fiber reinforced Al-Cu composites containing 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% Cu were fabricated by a squeeze casting technique. The as-cast Al2O3/Al-Cu composites were solution treated at 535 ℃ and then aged at 170, 190 and 210 ℃, respectively. Age hardening behavior of the Al2O3/Al-Cu composites was analyzed by measuring the hardness of the samples at different aging temperatures and aging time. Microstructures of the composites were observed by transmission electron microscope(TEM). The results indicate that the hardness of the Al2O3/Al-Cu composites containing 7% Cu is much higher than that containing 1%-5% Cu because of the large amount of CuAl2 precipitant in the Al2O3/Al-Cu composite. With the increase of Cu content from 1% to 7%, the time needed for the appearance of peak hardness shortened, indicating that the addition of Cu can accelerate the kinetic of CuAl2 precipitation in the Al2O3/Al-Cu composites. The Al2O3/Al-Cu composite containing 7% Cu shows the highest increment of hardness by aging treatment. Therefore, in order to get a higher peak hardness, the Al2O3/Al-Cu composites need more Cu addition as compared with the un-reinforced Al-Cu alloys.

SOLIDIFYING STRUCTURES OF Al_2O_3 SHORT FIBER／Al－Si ALLOY MATRIX COMPOSITE PREPARED BY SQUEEZE CASTING

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STRAIN REGULARITY IN REINFORCERS OF SHORT-FIBER/ WHISKER REINFORCED COMPOSITE AND ITS APPLICATION

Based on the study of strain distribution in short-fiber/whisker reinforced metal matrix composites, a deformation characteristic parameter λ is defined as the ratio of the root-mean-square strain of reinforcers to the macro-linear strain along the same direction. Quantitative relation between λ and microstructure parameters of the composite is obtained. As an example of applying and verifying λ, the stress-strain curve of ［AlBO］w/Al composite under tensile loading is predicted and favorably compared with experiments. By using λ, the stiffness modulus of the composite with arbitrary reinforcer orientation under any loading condition is predicted from the microstructure parameters of material.

Effects of Matrix Features on Stress Transfer of Short Fiber Composites

By employing the elastic and elastic plastic finite element method(FEM), the effects of matrix feature on the stress transfer mechanisms of short fiber composites are studied. In the calculation, the variations in matrix modulus, yield strength and hardening modulus are considered. It is concluded that large deformation of matrix is harmful to the improvement of the mechanical performances of the composites.

Flexible Polydimethylsiloxane Composite with Multi-Scale Conductive Network for Ultra-Strong Electromagnetic Interference Protection

Highly conductive polymer composites(CPCs) with excellent mechanical flexibility are ideal materials for designing excellent electromagnetic interference(EMI) shielding materials,which can be used for the electromagnetic interference protection of flexible electronic devices.It is extremely urgent to fabricate ultra-strong EMI shielding CPCs with efficient conductive networks.In this paper,a novel silver-plated polylactide short fiber(Ag@PL ASF,AAF) was fabricated and was integrated with carbon nanotubes(CNT) to construct a multi-scale conductive network in polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS) matrix.The multi-scale conductive network endowed the flexible PDMS/AAF/CNT composite with excellent electrical conductivity of 440 S m-1and ultra-strong EMI shielding effectiveness(EMI SE) of up to 113 dB,containing only 5.0 vol% of AAF and 3.0 vol% of CNT(11.1wt% conductive filler content).Due to its excellent flexibility,the composite still showed 94% and 90% retention rates of EMI SE even after subjected to a simulated aging strategy(60℃ for 7 days) and 10,000 bending-releasing cycles.This strategy provides an important guidance for designing excellent EMI shielding materials to protect the workspace,environment and sensitive circuits against radiation for flexible electronic devices.

Enhancement of Dimensional Stability of Rigid PVC Foams Using E-Glass Fibers

Short cut E-glass fibers of two different lengths were used to determine the effect of glass fiber length on the dimensional stability of rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) foam in this study. Glass fibers measuring, 1/16" and 1/32" at different concentrations (0 wt% - 20 wt%) were used to reinforce rigid PVC foams;the PVC foam-glass fiber (PVC-GF) composites were extruded using a single screw profile extruder. The extruded PVC-GF composites were characterized for their dimensional stability, structural, thermal, and mechanical properties. Experimental results show that the dimensional stability, heat resistance, and storage modulus were enhanced without compromising the tensile and flexural strengths of the composites. Thermal shrinkage decreased by almost 55% in composites reinforced with 1/32" GF and by 60% in composites reinforced with 1/16" GFs, with visible improvements to the shape distortion. Overall, foam composites which were prepared with longer (1/16") glass fibers exhibited better mechanical and thermal properties than those prepared with shorter (1/32") glass fibers. Microstructural observations suggest that this is due to better interlocking between the long fibers and the foam cells, which result in better load distribution in the matrix.

Distribution and segregation of solute in Al_2O_3 short fiber reinforced Al-5%Cu alloy containing La by squeeze casting

Al2O3 short fiber reinforced La-bearing Al-5%Cu alloy was fabricated by squeeze casting,and the solidified structure and the solute segregation during alloy solidification were studied.The results indicated that La has been enriched near the interface which is favorable to improve the wettability between the fiber and Al alloy,but the RE-rich phase was not formed at the interface.At the end of the solidification of the composites,the change of the solute in the surplus liquid phase results in the type of matrix alloy being changed because of the selective crystallization,and the segregation at the interface is finally formed.There is no special influence by La on the Cu segregation in the matrix alloy.

Single-phase earth fault current distribution between optical fiber composite overhead ground wire and ordinary ground wire in transmission system

It is important for the safety of transmission system to accurately calculate single-phase earth fault current distribution.Features of double sided elimination method were illustrated.Quantitative calculation of single-phase earth fault current distribution and case verification were accomplished by using the loop method.Influences of some factors,such as single-phase earth fault location and ground resistance of poles,on short-circuit current distribution were discussed.Results show that:1) results of the loop method conform to those of double sided elimination method;2) the fault location hardly influences macro-distribution of short-circuit current.However,current near fault location is evidently influenced;and 3) the short-circuit current distribution is not so sensitive to the ground resistance of poles.

PREDICTION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF WHISKER REINFORCED METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE: PART-I. MODEL AND FORMULATION

Based on study of strain distribution in whisker reinforced metal matrix composites, an explicit precise stiffness tensor is derived. In the present theory, the effect of whisker orientation on the macro property of composites is considered, but the effect of random whisker position and the complicated strain field at whisker ends are averaged. The derived formula is able to predict the stiffness modulus of composites with arbitrary whisker orientation under any loading condition. Compared with the models of micro mechanics, the present theory is competent for modulus prediction of actual engineering composites. The verification and application of the present theory are given in a subsequent paper published in the same issue

Effect of Al2O3sf addition on the friction and wear properties of (SiCp+Al2O3sf)/Al2024 composites fabricated by pressure infiltration

Aluminum(Al) 2024 matrix composites reinforced with alumina short fibers(Al_2O_(3sf)) and silicon carbide particles(SiC_p) as wear-resistant materials were prepared by pressure infiltration in this study. Further, the effect of Al_2O_(3sf) on the friction and wear properties of the as-synthesized composites was systematically investigated, and the relationship between volume fraction and wear mechanism was discussed. The results showed that the addition of Al_2O_(3sf), characterized by the ratio of Al_2O_(3sf) to SiC_p, significantly affected the properties of the composites and resulted in changes in wear mechanisms. When the volume ratio of Al_2O_(3sf) to SiC_p was increased from 0 to 1, the rate of wear mass loss(K_m) and coefficients of friction(COFs) of the composites decreased, and the wear mechanisms were abrasive wear and furrow wear. When the volume ratio was increased from 1 to 3, the COF decreased continuously; however, the K_m increased rapidly and the wear mechanism became adhesive wear.

PREDICTION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF WHISKER REINFORCED METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE: PART-II. VERIFICATION & APPLICATION

The present paper continues the discussion in Part I. Model and Formulation. Based on the theory proposed in Part I, the formulae predicting stiffness moduli of the composites in some typical cases of whisker orientations and loading conditions are derived and compared with theoretical representatives in literatures, experimental measurement and commonly used empirical formulae. It seems that (1) with whisker reinforcing and matrix hardening considered, the present prediction is in well agreement with the experimental measurement; (2) the present theory can predict accurate moduli with the proper pre calculated parameters; (3) the upper bound and lower bound of the present theory are just the predictions of equal strain theory and equal stress theory; (4) the present theory provides a physical explanation and theoretical base for the present commonly used empirical formulae. Compared with the microscopic mechanical theories, the present theory is competent for modulus prediction of practical engineering composite in accuracy and simplicity. [WT5”HZ]

THE FRACTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF δ-Al_2O_3/AlALLOY COMPOSITES

The initial location of the crack and the controlling factor of the fracture in the squeeze casting composites δ-Al2 O3/Al-5.5Zn, δ-Al2 O3/Al-5.5Mg and δ-Al2 O3/Al-cSi were studied by microscopic observation and finite element analysis(FEA). The in situ failure processes were obseroed bU the scanning electronic microscope mp. The distributions of stress components along the fiber length in matta, and the tnean axial stresses of fiber and matrix were calculated by three-dimensional elasto-plastic FEA.It is found that the failure modes of short fiber reiwtreed metal matrix composites change with the variations of the micro-structurnl characteristics of composites, such as fiber orientation, matrix strength and intedecial bonding, etc.

Micro-yield behaviors of Al_2O_3-SiO_(2(sf))/Al-Si metal matrix composites

Effects of the volume fraction and the size of crystallized alumina silicate short fibers as well as heat treatment processes on micro-yield strength(MYS) of Al2O3-SiO2(sf)/Al-Si metal matrix composite(MMC) that was fabricated by squeezing cast, were investigated by using continuous loading method on an Instron 5569 tester with a special extensometer with an accuracy of 10?7. The results show that MYS of MMC decreases with the increase of volume fraction and length of the alumina silicate short fibers in the metal matrix composite, respectively. MYS of quenched Al2O3-SiO2(sf)/Al-Si MMC is the lowest, MYS of the MMC through peak-aging treatment is higher than that through other heat treatment methods. And before the peak-aging, MYS of MMC aging treated gradually increases with the increase of the aging time. Aging treatment after solution treatment is a preferred way that enhances micro and macro-yield strength of Al2O3-SiO2(sf)/Al-Si MMC.

Preparation and microwave dielectric properties of C_(sf)/Si_3N_4 composites

The Csf/Si3N4 composites were prepared by hot-press sintering method using α-Si3N4 power,short carbon fibers and La2O3-Y2O3 sintering additives. The mechanical and microwave dielectric properties of Csf/Si3N4 composites were studied and discussed. The results show that the addition of the short carbon fibers can not destroy the relative density of the sintered samples,but it deteriorates the flexural strength of the sintered samples,so the flexural strength of the silicon nitride matrix is the highest among the samples. The real part(ε′) and the imaginary part(ε″) of the permittivity of Csf/Si3N4 composites greatly increase with increasing volume fraction of the short carbon fibers,achieve the maximum 73.1 and 101.5,respectively. A strong frequency dependence of the imaginary part(ε″) of the permittivity is observed.

Interface reaction and thermodynamic analysis on Al_2O_3-SiO_(2(sf))/AZ91D composite

Al2O3-SiO2(sf)/AZ91D composite was fabricated by squeezing infiltration using preform made of crystallized aluminum silicate short fibers as reinforcement and aluminum phosphate as binder. The interfacial reaction products were investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and the thermodynamics was discussed. It is shown that alumina silicate fibers are ideal candidates for the reinforcement of the Mg alloy matrix composites, and the perfect strong interfaces were formed by the chemical reaction between Mg in the magnesium alloy matrix and aluminum phosphate binder through generation of MgO particles. In addition, brittle Mg2Si phase was precipitated at the interface through the reaction between amorphous SiO2 and Mg in the magnesium alloy matrix, which affects the mechanical property of the composite.