Transverse Shear Strength of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite under Static and Dynamic Loadings

Abstract

The static and dynamic transverse shear strength of a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced cast aluminum alloy matrix composite (C f/A356.0) and aluminum alloy were studied with Instron-1195 testing machine and a split Hopkinson pressure bar, respectively. The results indicate that the transverse shear strength of the composite is about half that of the aluminum matrix. Both the composite and the matrix show almost the same rate effect, namely a slight increase in the shear strength with increasing strain rate. This may be an indication that the rate effect of the unidirectional Cf/A356.0 composite is mainly controlled by the A356.0 aluminum alloy matrix. Moreover, the shear failure mechanisms of the composite are discussed.