Failure micromechanisms in particulate-reinforced metal-matrix composites

The failure micromechanisms in tension and fracture were evaluated in a 2618 A1 alloy reinforced with 15 vol.% Sic particulates with the help of quantitative microscopy.It was concluded that failure was due to the progressive fracture of the ceramic reinforcements during deformation, and that SIC particulates of larger size and elongated shape were more prone to fail than small, equiaxed ones.