Abstract
This study conducted a high-loading velocity tensile test for a SiCp/AC4CH composite and an AC4CH alloy (Al-6.7%Si-0.3%Mg alloy). Microstructures of both materials before and after tensile testing were carefully examined with an optical microscope and SEM. Experimental results demonstrate that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the SiCp/AC4CH composite increased with increasing loading velocity up to 10 m·s-1. Compared to the AC4CH alloy, the fracture elongation of the SiCp/AC4CH composite is more sensitive to the strain rate. The AC4CH alloy yield strength (YS) shows more sensitivity than that of UTS with increasing strain rate, especially in the range of loading velocity higher than 1 m·s−1. The composite failed by coalescence of microcracking/microvoiding. The ratio of broken SiC particles increases with increasing loading velocity.
