In order to investigate the behaviors of fatigue crack propagation of SiC-particulate-reinforced Al-Si metal matrix composites, fatigue tests using single edge notched tension(SENT) specimens were performed. Composite materials were manufactured by us...
In order to investigate the behaviors of fatigue crack propagation of SiC-particulate-reinforced Al-Si metal matrix composites, fatigue tests using single edge notched tension(SENT) specimens were performed. Composite materials were manufactured by using both permanent die casting and extrusion processes with different volume fractions of 10% and 20%. SiCp-reinforced AI-Si composites showed higher levels of threshold stress intensity factor range, ??K??, for the higher volume fractions of SiC particles, implying the higher fatigue crack propagation resistance at the threshold or low ??.K level, compared to the unreinforced Al-Si alloy. Extruded materials showed higher values of threshold L'.K than the cast materials. However, the composites showed similar or lower resistance of fatigue crack propagation at the Paris region compared to the unreinforced Al-Si alloy. Stress intensity factor range at fracture decreased. as the volume fraction of SiC particle increased due to the lower fracture toughness of composites with higher SiCp volume fraction.<br/>