The fracture energy of metal fibre reinforced ceramic composites (MFCs)

• Published in: Composites science and technology Vol. 71; no. 3; pp. 266 - 275
• Main Authors: Pemberton, S.R., Oberg, E.K., Dean, J., Tsarouchas, D., Markaki, A.E., Marston, L., Clyne, T.W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 07-02-2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Ceramic–matrix composites (CMCs); A. Short-fibre composites; B. Fibre/matrix bond; B. Fracture toughness; C. Modelling; Ceramic fibers; Ceramics; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Fibres; Fracture mechanics; Fracture toughness; Materials science; Mathematical models; Other materials; Physics; Plastic deformation; Specific materials; A. Short-fibre composites; B. Fracture toughness; C. Modelling; A. Ceramic–matrix composites (CMCs); B. Fibre/matrix bond; Ceramic matrix composite; Short fiber; Experimental test; A. Ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs); Fiber reinforced material; Aluminosilicates; Theoretical study; Mechanical properties; Stainless steels; Oxide ceramics; Optimization; Fracture toughness; Metal fiber; Composite materials; Steel fiber; Modelling; Alumina; Fracture energy; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2010.10.011

A model is presented for prediction of the fracture energy of ceramic–matrix composites containing dispersed metallic fibres. It is assumed that the work of fracture comes entirely from pull-out and/or plastic deformation of fibres bridging the crack plane. Comparisons are presented between these predictions and experimental measurements made on a commercially-available composite material of this type, containing stainless steel (304) fibres in a matrix predominantly comprising alumina and alumino-silicate phases. Good agreement is observed, and it’s noted that there is scope for the fracture energy levels to be high (∼20
kJ
m
−2). Higher toughness levels are both predicted and observed for coarser fibres, up to a practical limit for the fibre diameter of the order of 0.5
mm. Other deductions are also made concerning strategies for optimisation of the toughness of this type of material.