Microscale elastic strain evolution following damage in Ti-SiC composites

Fiber fractures are crucial in initiating damage zones that ultimately determine the strength and lifetime of fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites. The evolution of damage in a metal matrix composite (MMC) comprised of a row of unidirectional SiC fibers (32 vol pct) surrounded by a Ti matrix was examined, for the first time, using X-ray microdiffraction. Multiple strain maps including both phases were collected in situ under applied tensile stress. The elastic axial strains were then compared to predictions from a modified shear-lag model, which, unlike other shear-lag models, considers the elastic response of both constituents. The strains showed good correlation with the model. The results confirmed, for the first time, both the need and validity of this new model specifically developed for large scale multifracture simulations of MMCS. The results also provided unprecedented insight for the model, revealing the necessity of incorporating such factors as plasticity of the matrix, residual stress in the composite, and selection of the load sharing parameter.