Compressive failure of alumina continuous fibre reinforced Al–4·5 wt-%Cu alloy at elevated temperatures

Abstract

Alumina continuous fibre reinforced Al–4·5 wt-%Cu alloy composite specimens were compressed in the axis direction at room temperature, 200°C, 300°C, and 400°C. The compressive stress–end shortening relationships at all test temperatures were similar to the elastic response, but with some non-linearity shortly before the macro failures. Composite compressive stress declined at elevated temperatures. The difference between the failure strength and the onset failure strength decreased with increase in temperature. The dominant failure mode at room temperature and 200°C was that of buckling, but it changed to kinking at elevated temperatures. Composite compressive behaviour at all test temperatures conformed to plastic buckling theory.