Correlating macrohardness and tensile behavior in discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites
hardness tests are routinely used as a simple and effective means of quantifying the tensile strength of metallic materials. The correlation between various hardness scales and tensile t=strength has been compiled for a variety of metals and alloys. When a metal is reinforced with ceramic particles or short fibers, higher stiffness, higher strength and lower ductility for the composite can be observed. The composite, when viewed as a continuum, displays a stronger strain hardening behavior in a tensile test. The overall elastic-plastic nature of the composite, however, bears a qualitative resemblance to that of monolithic metals. This implies that traditional macrohardness may be useful in characterizing the mechanical properties of the composite, as in the case of many engineering alloys. As metal matrix composites are generating increased interest for applications where quality control may be important, the need for understanding the relationship between hardness and tensile strength becomes essential. In a recent study of a 6061 Al/SiC particulate composite with various aging treatments, a linear relationship between the Rockwell superficial-scale hardness and the ultimate tensile strength of the composite was reported. In the present study, the authors seek to explore this correlation in greater detail, in a 2080/SiC{sub p} composite, by taking into account different reinforcement volume fraction, particle size, and matrix microstructure. It will be shown that the hardness-strength correlation in discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites is not as straightforward as what has been reported for conventional monolithic materials, due to the different micromechanisms of deformation and damage.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20023081
- Journal Information:
- Scripta Materialia, Vol. 42, Issue 5; Other Information: PBD: 14 Feb 2000; ISSN 1359-6462
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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