Residual Stress Determination in Several MMC Samples Submitted to Different Operating Conditions

Abstract

The experiments here described have been carried out in the framework of a more general research, aiming to develop a set of complementary models to predict the in-service performances of particular reinforced MMC automotive and aeronautical components. As MMCs are highly heterogeneous materials, residual stresses are present both in the matrix and the particles microstructure, prior to any macroscopic loading. They vary with the temperature and with the type and level of loading imposed to the material, and have a strong influence on the mechanical behaviour of MMCs. Neutron and X-ray diffraction measurements have been performed at HMI-BENSC (Berlin, Germany), and LLB (Saclay, France) for the determination of residual stresses in a prototype component an automotive brake drum (AA359+20% SIC). As expected, the results show that in each gauge point the main contribution is generally given by thermal microstresses.