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Tensile and cyclic fatigue properties of SiC whisker-reinforced Al sub 2 O sub 3

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5481124

Uniaxial tensile and cyclic fatigue data are reported for a commercial grade of SiC whisker-reinforced Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} matrix composite tested at room temperature. Test results show that the average tensile strength of this composite material was 432 MPa, which was higher than that of monolithic Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} by about 40%. The tensile strength was reproducible within {plus minus}5.5% of the mean, indicating the value of the Weibull modulus of the composite was high. While the fatigue strength of monolithic Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} in the high-cycle range fell to about two thirds of the tensile strength, the composite showed practically no reduction in strength due to cyclic fatigue loading. The fatigue strength of the composite was found to be about 95% of its tensile strength. This observation suggests that addition of SiC whiskers in Al{sub 2}O{sub 2}O{sub 3} matrix can effectively inhibit the cyclic fatigue crack growth in the composite, hence enhance the resistance to fatigue and improve its tensile strength. 7 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5481124
Report Number(s):
CONF-9109229-1; ON: DE91015916
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English