Combined micromechanical and fabrication process optimization for metal-matrix compositesA method is presented to minimize the residual matrix stresses in metal matrix composites. Fabrication parameters such as temperature and consolidation pressure are optimized concurrently with the characteristics (i.e., modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion, strength, and interphase thickness) of a fiber-matrix interphase. By including the interphase properties in the fabrication process, lower residual stresses are achievable. Results for an ultra-high modulus graphite (P100)/copper composite show a reduction of 21 percent for the maximum matrix microstress when optimizing the fabrication process alone. Concurrent optimization of the fabrication process and interphase properties show a 41 percent decrease in the maximum microstress. Therefore, this optimization method demonstrates the capability of reducing residual microstresses by altering the temperature and consolidation pressure histories and tailoring the interphase properties for an improved composite material. In addition, the results indicate that the consolidation pressures are the most important fabrication parameters, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is the most critical interphase property.
Document ID
19930034993
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Morel, M. (Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Saravanos, D. A. (Case Western Reserve Univ. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Chamis, C. C. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)