Damping Characteristics of Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract : Damping test data of Gr/Al composites, from previous measurements at Martin marietta Denver Aerospace, CO suggest that composites exhibit higher damping than aluminum and titanium base structural alloys. Enhanced material damping of metal matrix composite (MMC), as a structural material will significantly improve the stability control and reliability of space structures. The objective of so the present investigation are: i) to identify the mechanism and the source of damping in MMC (P55 Gr/6061 Al); ii) to determine the role of microstructural parameters, e.g., fiber volume, fiber orientation and interfiber spacing, and iii) to define the role of fiber matrix interfaces. Keywords: Analytical modeling; Strength(mechanics); Stiffness; Moire interferometry; Stress analysis; Thermal gradients; Acoustic emission; Transmission; Electromicroscopy.