Miniature thermal cycling tests on aluminium alloy metal matrix composites

AbstractA new miniaturised electrothermomechanical test system has been used to study the thermal cycling response of a number of aluminium alloy metal matrix composites reinforced with either Al203 or SiC particles. Tests were also performed on a monolithic 2618 aluminium alloy for comparison. The system showed good test discrimination between the different materials for both constant load-constant temperature (creep) tests and constant load-temperature cycling (50–200°C) tests. The system was also used to compare the yield behaviour at 200°C, and the thermal expansion and thermal diffusivity of several of the materials.