Tensile elastic modulus, strength and fracture of delta-Al2O3f/Al alloy composites

Based on the experimental and theoretical analysis, the tensile elastic modulus, strength and fracture characteristics of squeeze casting delta-Al2O3/Al alloy composites were studied. The fracture characteristics of composites were observed by SEM. The elastic modulus was predicted by the finite element method based on the energy equivalence principle, and the strength was predicted by the statistical integration average method using the maximum energy criterion of composite strength. In the prediction, the distribution density functions of the fiber's orientation and length were considered. These functions were gained by experimental measurement. It is shown that the predicted results are in agreement with the experimental values well and the microstructure feature of composites controls the fracture characteristics.