Fatigue characteristics of metal impregnated C/C composites with slots for load transfer

An experimental investigation is performed on the quasi-static and cyclic behavior of metal impregnated composites such as Cu–C/C and Si–C/C with a slot together with C/C for comparison. They are expected to be applied to an aircraft brake system. Composites tested are based on a preformed yarn method and their fatigue strength and related characteristics are obtained. Damage mechanisms are discussed and it is concluded that effects of microscopic debonding are quite important to the fatigue response of the present specimen and that the debonding makes the failure mode shift from crack propagation in static loading to bearing in cyclic loading.