Markus Radajewski

Fracture Mechanics Characterization of Sintered 30 Vol.-% Al2O3/TRIP Steel Composites Using SENB Miniature Samples

Ceramic particle reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) combine the strength and brittleness of ceramics with the toughness of a metallic matrix. In order to use these materials in construction and operational design their fracture mechanical behavior must be evaluated. In this study, a 30 vol.-% Al2O3 reinforced austenitic TRIP steel processed by powder metallurgical technique was investigated using precracked miniature SENB-specimens in 3-point-bending. An elastic-plastic analysis by means of the J-integral method in combination with optical crack observation showed the materials ability of stable crack growth, i. e. R-curve behavior. In addition to the mechanical tests microstructural studies were performed, whereby particle debonding and fracture as well as martensitic phase transformation and crack bridging within the matrix were identified as fracture energy dissipating mechanisms.