Experimental and 3D FE evaluation of crack initiation energy J 1C in Al6061-TiC composites

Abstract

The test data crack initiation energy in Mode-I fracture, J 1C is determined experimentally for various compositions of Al6061-TiC composites by using compact tension (CT) specimen with variable aW ratios. Also, 3D nonlinear (elastic-plastic) finite element analysis was carried for Compact Tension (CT) specimen to evaluate J 1C, ahead at the crack-front of several Al6061-TiC composite specimens with various crack lengths. The 3D FEA J 1C results were compared with the experimental results. The J 1C values decrease with increasing crack length of the specimen because of decrease in load carrying capacity of the specimens. Al6061-TiC composites exhibit higher fracture toughness values than their counterparts Al-SiC composites. 2018 IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.