ABSTRACTThe effects of the interface on the tension and fatigue crack growth behavior of fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composites were studied using single-ply and single-fiber SiC/Ti-6Al-4V mini-composites with different SiC fibers and coatings. Attention was focused on fiber failure mechanisms in the absence of a matrix crack (tension loading), and on fatigue crack deceleration mechanisms. In contrast to established models of tensile failure, local load sharing behavior was observed for very weak interfaces, with plasticity playing a major role in enhancing stress concentration effects. The approach included statistical evaluation of fiber breaks, their locations, and comparisons between single-fiber and single-ply composites. Under fatigue loading, crack deflection behavior was found to be consistent with a strength based interface debonding model. Crack shielding through modulus mismatch was found to have a significant effect on crack growth rates, independent of bridging conditions, with a stronger interface performing better under such conditions. The ramifications of the different mechanisms on interface optimization for longitudinal and transverse properties of composites are indicated.
