Investigations into the Mechanisms of Thermal Cycling Damage in Metal Matrix Composites.

Abstract : The mechanical properties of 6061, 2024, and 1100 aluminum reinforced with boron fibers were measured after 6000 thermal cycles in argon and in air between ambient temperature and 425 C. The cycle periods used were 6 and 12 minutes in argon and 12 minutes in air. Fiber strengths were also measured before and after cycling. In addition, thermal cycling tests were conducted on carbon-aluminum composites.