Influence of silicon carbide particulates on tensile fracture behavior of an aluminum alloy

In this research paper the tensile properties and fracture characteristics of an Al–Cu–Mg alloy discontinuously reinforced with silicon carbide particulates (SiCp) are presented and discussed. The increased strength of the Al–Cu–Mg/SiCp composite is attributed to the synergistic influences of residual stresses arising from intrinsic differences in response of the composite constituents, that is, metal matrix and ceramic-particle reinforcements, during cyclic deformation and strengthening from constrained plastic flow and triaxiality in the ductile aluminum alloy metal matrix due to the presence of ceramic particle reinforcements. Fracture on a microscopic scale comprised of cracking of both the individual silicon carbide particulates and even the clusters of silicon carbide particles present in the microstructure. Final fracture of the composite resulted from crack propagation through the matrix between the clusters of reinforcing SiC particles. The key mechanisms governing the tensile fracture process are discussed.