Elastic constants of particle and fiber reinforced metal matrix composites

Abstract A model has been developed to predict the elastic moduli in composites reinforced with both particles and fibers. In the model the matrix material and the particles, which are assumed to be homogeneously distributed, form an effective matrix. The characteristics of this effective matrix is calculated using a theory formulated by Ledbetter and Datta. The effective matrix is then considered to be reinforced with fibers lying in one plane but randomly oriented in that plane. The effect of the 2-dimensionally random orientation of the fibers on the elastic moduli of the composites is determined in two steps. First the composite cylinders model by Hashin and Rosen for an aligned fiber system is employed, and then a geometric averaging procedure suggested by Christensen and Waals is performed. Using this model, the Young's and shear moduli were calculated for three samples with different aluminum matrices and volume fractions of particles (9, 13, and 17%) but the same fiber content (6%). The same elastic moduli were also determined using ultrasonic velocity measurements. The agreement between calculated and measured elastic moduli is found to be very good. Also, the elastic anisotropics between directions of the fiber rich plane and that normal to the plane could be predicted by the model.