Determination of mechanical properties of aluminium matrix composites constituents

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. A, Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing Vol. 437; no. 2; pp. 406 - 412
• Main Authors: Rodríguez, J., Garrido-Maneiro, M.A., Poza, P., Gómez-del Río, M.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15-11-2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Dispersion hardening metals; Elasticity. Plasticity; Exact sciences and technology; Finite elements method; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Metal matrix composites; Metals. Metallurgy; Micromechanical characterization; Nanoindentation; Powder metallurgy. Composite materials; Production techniques; Metal matrix composites; Finite elements method; Micromechanical characterization; Nanoindentation; Metal matrix composite; Mechanical properties; Aluminium alloy; Hardness; Composite material; Dispersion strengthened metal; Young modulus; Finite element method; Silicon carbide; Lithium alloy
• ISSN: 0921-5093; 1873-4936
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2006.07.118

This work presents nanoindentation experiments with Berkovich tips, carried out on an Al–Li 8090 alloy reinforced with 15
vol.% SiC particles to determine hardness and Young's modulus of the metal matrix and the ceramic reinforcements. The influence of pile-up effect has been estimated performing a finite element model of the nanoindentation tests to provide values representative of the materials’ behaviour. Results indicate a clear increase in matrix hardness in comparison with the unreinforced alloy and a slow decrease with the distance to the reinforcement particles. Piling up of the material tested overestimates the results obtained through nanoindentation. This effect could be corrected by means of the simulated test analysis.