Compatibility Considerations for Metal-Matrix Composites

Research on metal-matrix composites for turbine compressors has demonstrated that four areas of compatibility are very important in composite design, and all must be considered in detail when specifying metal-matrix composites for structural applications. These areas comprise: chemical compatibility between matrix and filament, elastic strain compatibility, physical property compatibility, and manufacturing process compatibility. The designer must have detailed knowledge of every step in the composite manufacturing process to predict structural performance. Control of the manufacturing process to achieve maximum reinforcement from the filaments is considered the most important single factor. Asymmetrical elastic properties introduced by residual stresses or area ratio variation appear to be the most difficult aspect to appraise. A result of such asymmetry is dimensional and structural instability in a changing temperature environment.