1989 Volume 75 Issue 9 Pages 1738-1744
The computer simulation method based on the shear-lag theory was proposed to predict the tensile strength of the unidirectional ceramic fiber reinforced metal composites, in which the elastic-linear hardening behavior of matrix was taken into consideration. The boron fiber reinforced aluminum composites were prepared by hot-pressing technique, and tested to check the tensile strength. The average strength of the composites (Vf = 11%) showed the good agreement between the predicted value and the experimental value. By using the simulation method, the size effect of the fiber reinforced metal was predicted. There was very small effect of inter-fiber spacing on the average tensile strength, but the average strength of composites decreased slightly with increase in number or reinforced fibers.
