Inelastic Response of a Woven Carbon/Copper Composite, Part I: Experimental Characterization

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an extensive mechanical characterization of a new woven metal matrix composite, namely 8-harness (8H) satin carbon/copper (C/Cu). While woven polymer matrix composites have existed for some time, woven metal matrix composites such as C/Cu are now being developed for the first time. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the copper matrix, this material system is a good candidate for high heat flux applications such as those associated with space power radiator panels and computer chip casings. The mechanical characterization of the 8H satin C/Cu composite was carried out using monotonic and cyclic tension, compression, and Iosipescu shear tests, as well as combined tension-compression tests. Experiments involving applied compression were performed using a novel gripping apparatus not previously described in the open literature. Specimens containing small amounts of chromium and titanium in the copper matrix, in addition to specimens with pure copper matrix, were tested in order to investigate the effect of these alloying elements on the mechanical response. Previous data from thermal expansion and mechanical tests on unidirectional C/Cu composites suggested that the addition of small amounts of these alloying elements to the copper matrix improved the fiber/matrix bond. In addition to the monotonic and cyclic stress-strain response generated using the three types of mechanical tests, a summary of initial moduli, yield stress, and ultimate strength data for this novel woven metal matrix composite is provided and contrasted with the corresponding pure copper data. Further, the presented results provide a basis for validating a new micromechanical model developed by the authors for woven metal matrix composites which is the subject of Parts II and III of this paper.