Measurement of internal stresses and of the temperature dependence of the matrix yield stress in metal matrix composites from thermal expansion curves

In a study of the thermal expansion behaviour of a variety of metal matrix composites, it appeared to the authors that a wealth of information could be extracted from thermal expansion curves. In the present work they aim at showing how a fairly straightforward analysis of these curves can provide quantitative data on the internal stresses and on the temperature dependence of the yield stress of the matrix. The method is illustrated on the basis of the thermal expansion curves of a composite consisting of an Al-3% Mg matrix reinforced by 30 vol.% continuous SiC fibres (Nicalon).Anglai