Creep fracture and load transfer in metal–matrix composite

Creep rupture time data of discontinuously reinforced 6061Al–15 vol.% SiCw metal–matrix composite (MMC) have been analyzed. Well-known phenomenological models, usually applied to high-temperature structural metals, such as those described by the Monkman–Grant and Larson–Miller equations, have been used. Consistent results are obtained when data are analyzed in the context of the effective stress borne by the metallic matrix. Such analysis supports further the relevance of a load transfer mechanism during creep of these MMCs, as previously suggested.