Deformation and damage mechanisms of SiC/Al matrix composite under high compressive stain

SiC_p/Al matrix composites, with 5%, 15% and 25% volume fraction content of SiC particulates, were prepared by vacuum hot-pressing sintering processing. The dynamic responses of SiC/Al composites were studied with a split Hopkinson pressure bar in compression and a driving system. The deformation microstructure and failure mechanism were analyzed. The types of nominal stress-strain curves from quasistatic state rate (3.3 × 10^-3s^-1) to dynamic state compressive strain rate (5.2 × 10^-3s^-1) under compressive loading have been identified. The deformation microstructures of tested specimens were analyzed by using optical microscope. Deformation and damage mechanisms of the composite material with different SiC volume fraction content were researched under high rate compressive loading. The results show that these composites exhibit strain rate sensitivity. And increasing of SiC particulates content led to an increase in strain rate sensitivity of composites. Damage mode is mainly the reinforced particulates shear fracture in vertical loading direction.