Abstract
Author note: Part of this research summary is based on findings first reported in Refs. [3-5, 18].
Renewed interest in composite materials is driven by the fact that their mechanical properties can be superior to those of individual constituent phases. Interfaces between the phases are the key elements responsible for the unique micro-mechanisms of plastic deformation in composites. In this study the depth-dependent residual strain distributed in the two phases and partitioned across the composite interfaces is directly measured at submicron length-scale using X-ray microdiffraction and compared to a detailed simulation within the framework of micromechanical stress analysis. Interface strength is determined from the analysis of the so-called “slip zone” caused by the near-surface stress relaxation. Two examples are discussed including NiAl/Mo and Ni/Mo composites.
