Title

TIME‐DEPENDENT FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH IN TITANIUM METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1995

Abstract

Abstract The interaction of fatigue and creep in a titanium metal matrix composite was studied by employing loading frequencies of 10 Hz (in both air and vacuum environment) and 0.1 Hz with and without hold times (in air) at 500°C. It was shown that, for the same loading frequency, the crack growth rate is lower in vacuum than in air. In an air environment, however, where the influence of load‐related creep and environmental effects exist, it was shown that a decrease in the loading frequency leads to a decrease in the crack growth rate. This behavior is interpreted in terms of the redistribution of fiber and matrix stresses occurring in response to the creep‐related relaxation of matrix stresses. The result of this stress redistribution is the generation of a compressive axial residual stress in the matrix phase in the region of the composite ahead of the crack tip. As the crack bridges the fibers in this region, the release of the matrix residual compressive stress leads to the closure of the matrix fractured surfaces at the crack tip, thus leading to a decrease in the crack tip driving force. To support this concept, experimental measurements of the crack opening displacement at different loading frequencies are presented. In addition, a simple model is proposed to describe the nature of the residual stresses developed in the matrix phase during cyclic loading. Results of this model have been examined using finite element analysis. The influence of time‐dependent effects during a fatigue cycle was, furthermore, investigated by carrying out high frequency fatigue tests on specimens which have been previously subjected to creep deformation. Results of these tests in terms of the crack growth rate and associated crack closure, support the conclusion that a predeformed matrix produces a decrease in the crack growth rate of the corresponding composite. Copyright © 1995, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Fatigue & Fracture of Engineering Materials & Structures

Volume

18

Issue

11

Link to Full Text
COinS