Author(s)

Y. Akiniwa, K. Tanaka & K. Shimizu

Abstract

The propagation behavior of long and small fatigue cracks in an aluminum alloy (2024-T6) reinforced with 20 volume percent of SiC particles was investigated. The development of crack closure with crack propagation was measured through the compliance method. The propagation rate, dc/dN, of short cracks emanating from a sharp notch was higher than that predicted using the relation for long cracks. SiC particles cause the increase of roughness and plasticity induced crack closure. The relation between dc/dN and effective stress intensity range, AK^, for short cracks was identical to that obtained for long cracks. 1 Introduction Particulate-reinforced aluminum matrix composites are attractive for many applications since they have high specific stiffness

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