Damping behaviors of metal matrix composites with interface layer

• Published in: Science in China. Series E, Technological sciences Vol. 44; no. 6; pp. 640 - 646
• Main Authors: Zhang, X, Wu, R, Li, X, Guo, Z X
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Department of Materials, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K 01.12.2001; State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China
• Subjects: damping capacity; metal matrix composites; interface layer
• ISSN: 1006-9321
• DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7321.2001.06.010

A novel technique of designing the interface layer in metal matrix composites of high damping capacity was developed via different CVD coatings on carbon fibers in C(f)/Al composites. It was shown that the interface layer improved the tensile strength, elastic modulus and damping capacity of the C(f)/Al composites. A carbon layer showed the highest improvement and a silicon layer the lowest, while a mixed carbon and silicon layer exhibited an intermediate effect. Moreover, the thickness of the interface layer also influences the damping capacity. A thicker carbon layer produced a better damping capacity because the dependence of damping capacity on strain amplitude was increased. It is suggested that a micro-sliding action occurring in the interface layer is the main mechanism responsible for the high damping capacity of the composites. (Author)