Characterization of Interfaces in Metal Matrix Composites Using the Slice Compression Test

We conduct a finite element analysis of the slice compression test [13] applied to metal-matrix composites. This test, designed to characterize interfaces in composite materials, involves pressing a composite material specimen on a soft plate so that fibers are forced to protrude and intrude into the soft plate leaving a permanent deformation. We focus on the Ti-6Al-4V matrix with SCS-6 silicon carbide fibers composite system. We conduct calculations using ABAQUS and employ contact elements at the fibermatrix interface, which incorporate a stress-based criterion for crack initiation and frictional sliding. The analysis is performed in three loading stages: i) thermal loading to account for residual stresses, ii) mechanical loading, and iii) mechanical unloading. The fiber protrusion length, the permanent indent depth in the base-plate material, and the debonding length along the fiber-matrix interface are the main output parameters.