Structural Index of Metal Matrix Composites Evaluated

X-ray computed tomography (CT) techniques have been used to evaluate a structural index of high performance metal matrix composites (MMC). Beside of classical features like the determination of number of fibres and eccentricity of fibre bundles an order parameter can be defined and demonstrated for the SiC fibre arrangem ent in Ti-MMC, which can be used to assess these materials. The samples for the investigations have been provid ed by MTU Aero Engines. They consist of a titanium matrix (Ti6242) reinforced by SiC fibres ( SCS6).