Micromechanical Modelling of Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites Subjected to Tensile Loading

Introduction Many innovations in the aerospace and transportation industry rely on high-performance structural materials. Metallic matrix composites (MMC) have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent physical, mechanical and thermomechanical properties compared to most conventional materials. MMC has a high specific strength, stiffness and abrasion resistance which is much higher than the whole material. They can also withstand high temperatures.

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer - Matrix Composite (CFRP) is made from carbon fiber and resin under certain conditions. In particular in the aerospace and aerospace field, CFRP has unmatched potential. Carbon fiber composite materials are considered to have several properties. The following are some of them: a) High tensile strength - the strongest among all commercial reinforcing fibers in stretching, carbon fibers are difficult to stretch or bend. b) Low thermal expansion - Carbon fiber has less expansion or shrinkage than steel and aluminum under high or low temperature conditions. Lightweight - Carbon fiber is a low density material with very high strength to weight ratio. d) Corrosion resistance - Carbon fiber is one of the most corrosion resistant materials when made from suitable resin

Carbon fibers are most prominently used to reinforce composites, in particular those known as carbon fibers or graphite reinforced polymers. Non-polymeric materials can also be used as a matrix for carbon fibers. Due to metal carbide formation and corrosion, carbon has had limited success in metallic matrix composite applications. Reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) consists of carbon fiber reinforced graphite and is structurally used for high temperature applications. This fiber can also be used to filter hot gases as an electrode with high surface area and satisfactory corrosion resistance and as an antistatic component. Forming a thin carbon fiber layer can significantly improve the fire resistance of the polymer or thermoset composite since a dense or dense carbon fiber layer can effectively reflect heat.