Temperature dependent ultimate tensile strength model for short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites

Abstract In this paper, considering the combined influences of fiber strength and various strengthening mechanisms including load transmitting, dispersion strengthening, residual thermal stress and dislocation strengthening, and their evolution with temperature, a temperature dependent ultimate tensile strength theoretical model of short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites is established. The model is confirmed by comparing with the available experimental results of six different short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites. Then, based on the model we developed, the contribution of various strengthening mechanisms to the ultimate tensile strength of the composites with the evolution of temperature is analyzed. Besides, the quantitative influences of Young’s modulus of fiber and matrix on the ultimate tensile strength evolution with temperature are discussed. Several opinions on the design of short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites are put forward, especially at high temperatures.