An Introduction to Metal Matrix Composites

This book covers all aspects of metal matrix composites, an important new class of materials.

Metal matrix composites constitute a new class of materials, now starting to make a major industrial impact in fields as diverse as aerospace, automotives and electronics. This book gives a comprehensive, integrated coverage of these materials, including the background to analytical-, experimental-, production and application-oriented aspects. Clear pictorial descriptions are given of the basic principles governing various properties and characteristics; these encompass mechanical, thermal, electrical, environmental and wear behaviour. Coverage also extends to material processing and component fabrication aspects and to a survey of commercial usage. This book is aimed primarily at scientists, engineers, production managers and all those involved in research on new materials in general, and metal matrix composites in particular, but may also be suitable for use as a text in beginning graduate and advanced undergraduate courses.

Preface; 1. General introduction; 2. Basic composite models; 3. The Eshelby approach to modelling composites; 4. Plastic deformation; 5. Thermal effects and high temperature behaviour; 6. The interfacial region; 7. Fracture processes and failure mechanisms; 8. Transport properties and environmental performance; 9. Fabrication processes; 10. Development of matrix microstructure; 11. Testing and characterisation techniques; 12. Applications; Appendix 1. Nomenclature; Appendix 2. Matrices and reinforcements - selected thermophysical properties; Appendix 3. The basic Eshelby S-tensors; Appendix 4. Listing of a program for an Eshelby calculation.

Metal matrix composites constitute a new class of materials, now starting to make a major industrial impact in fields as diverse as aerospace, automotives and electronics. This book gives a comprehensive, integrated coverage of these materials.