Energy absorption capacity of pseudoelastic fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract

AbstractPseudoelastic fiber-reinforced metal matrix composite with enhanced ductility and energy absorption capacity was developed. This composite system relies on the distributed nature of large pseudoelastic strains to mitigate localization of inelastic deformation and failure, and thus mobilizes a major fraction of volume for effective energy absorption. The pseudoelastic fibers were made of Ni-Ti-Cr alloy used in conjunction with two different matrices, aluminum and copper. Tension and pull-out tests were performed to evaluate the ductility and energy absorption capacity of control and pseudoelastic fiber-reinforced composites. Experimental results confirmed the ability of pseudoelastic fibers to induce distributed inelastic deformation within metal matrix composites for realizing major gains in ductility and energy absorption capacity.