Internal stresses in bulk metallic glass matrix composites

Composites consisting of a bulk metallic glass (BMG) matrix and metallic fibers or particulates have been shown to exhibit superior mechanical properties as compared to monolithic BMGs. To understand the role of reinforcements in this improvement, it is necessary to investigate the state of internal stresses in these composites. These stresses arise from the thermal expansion mismatch between the reinforcement and the matrix, as well as the elastic and plastic incompatibilities between the two phases. Neutron diffraction and synchrotron X-ray diffraction were used to measure these mismatch-induced stresses in BMG-matrix composites with various reinforcements: continuous W fibers, W or Ta particles, and dendritic, in-situ formed precipitates. The results are compared to numerical and analytical predictions of internal stresses.