Finite Element Analysis of Whisker-Reinforced SiC/Al Composites Subjected to Cryogenic Temperature Thermal Cycling

Thermo-elastoplastic finite element methods are used to investigate the thermal cycling of SiC whisker-reinforced aluminum-matrix composites. In a previous investigation, the development of residual stresses and plastic deformation during cooling from a typical solution-treatment or annealing temperature to room temperature was studied. In the present paper we investigate changes in these residual quantities during thermal cycling, including cycling to cryogenic temperatures, and the effect of these changes on subsequent mechanical behavior. The effective coefficients of thermal expansion and convergence to a stable cyclic loop are also examined.