Technical
Paper
2924
1989
Tungsten Fiber
Reinforced Copper
Matrix Composites
A Review
David L. McDanels
Lewis Research Center
Cleveland, Ohio
It[ 'I-i
Summary to 166 K (-200 F) in shadow conditions. Airframe applica-
tions range up to 478 K (400 F) for supersonic flight
Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix (W/Cu) composites regimes. For applications such as these, the high room-
have served as an ideal model system with which to analyze temperature strength/density and stiffness/density of
the properties of metal matrix composites. A series of research composites offer major design advantages.
programs were conducted to investigate the stress-strain However, the propulsion system environment in aircraft or
behavior of W/Cu composites; the effect of fiber content on spacecraft presents a much more severe set of operating
the strength, modulus, and conductivity of W/Cu composites; conditions. Increased engine efficiency and reduced fuel burn
and the effect of alloying elements on the behavior of tungsten are the prime goals sought by engine designers. These goals
wire and of W/Cu composites. Later programs investigated place significant challenges on engine materials since these
the stress-rupture, creep, and impact behavior of these com- goals can only be gained through the use of lower weight
posites at elevated temperatures. Analysis of the results of these materials, higher creep-strength/density materials, higher
programs has allowed prediction of the effects of fiber temperature operation, and increased rotational speed with its
properties, matrix properties, and fiber content on the accompanying increased stress on rotating components (ref. I).
properties of W/Cu composites. These analyses formed the The main emphasis of metal matrix composite research at
basis for the rule-of-mixtures prediction of composite NASA Lewis Research Center has traditionally been focused
properties which has been universally adopted as the criteria on materials for aircraft engine applications. The majority of
for measuring composite efficiency. In addition, the analyses these applied research programs have been aimed at two main
allowed extrapolation of potential properties of other metal areas of engine components: creep-resistant tungsten fiber
matrix composites and were used to select candidate fibers and reinforced superalloy matrix composites for the high-
matrices for development of tungsten fiber reinforced super- temperature turbine section of thc engine (ref. 2); and bird-
alloy composite materials for high-temperature aircraft and strike-resistant boron fiber reinforced aluminum matrix
rocket engine turbine applications. This report summarizes the composites for the fan section (ref. 3).
W/Cu composite efforts conducted at NASA Lewis Research NASA Lewis efforts on metal matrix composites have
Center, describes some of the results obtained, and provides traditionally been focused on the improvement of high-
an update on more recent work using W/Cu composites as temperature properties. The first step in the development of
high-strength, high-thermal-conductivity composite materials composites for elevated-temperature service was to fabricate
for high heat flux, elevated-temperature applications. and analyze a metal matrix composite model system. This
model system was used to analyze the behavior of the model
composite and to generate a data base to allow prediction of
properties for other composite systems. The tungsten fiber
Introduction reinforced copper matrix (W/Cu) composite system was
chosen as a model to analyze the behavior of metal matrix
Fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites offer a wide range composites. These results were used by NASA Lewis Research
of material properties for potential materials to meet specific Center to publish the first systematic, indepth analysis of the
design and application requirements. They combine the behavior of metal matrix composites in 1959 (ref. 4) and the
strength and modulus of a fiber with the ductility and oxidation first mass-reader publication on metal matrix composites in
resistance of a matrix (fig. 1). Most of the current emphasis 1960 (ref. 5).
on metal matrix composites is on low-density, high-modulus Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites served
fibers, such as graphite, silicon carbide, or boron, to reinforce as an ideal model system to analyze the behavior of metal
matrices of aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or intermetallics. matrix composites because the two components--tungsten wire
Most of the applications being considered for metal matrix and copper matrix--were mutually insoluble in each other,
composites are in a relatively low temperature range. Space- were readily available at low cost, and were easily fabricated
craft applications include antenna and structural applications into composites by liquid infiltration. The availability of mate-
where the temperatures range from 366 K (200 F) in the sun rials allowed fabrication of large numbers of test specimens
FIBERS MATRIX COMPOSITE copper alloys also were used as matrix materials. Selected
alloying additions were added to the pure copper matrix to
determine their effect on the behavior of the tungsten wire and
on the properties of the composites.
HIGH STRENGTH PROCESSABLE ADVANTAGES Composites were fabricated by liquid phase infiltration.
HIGH MODULUS BONDS WELL CAN TAILOR PROPERTIES Continuous undirectional tungsten fibers were packed in
HIGH TEMPERATURE TO FIBERS HIGH STRENGTH
ceramic tubes to the desired fiber content. A slug of copper
CAPABILITY ENVIRONMENTAL HIGH STIFFNESS
RESISTANCE DUCTILITY was placed above the fiber bundle, and the assembly was
DUCTILE DISADVANTAGES placed in a furnace and heated to 1478 K (2200 F) for 1 hr
SOMETIMES DEGRADED BY in either a vacuum or hydrogen atmosphere. The molten
INTERDIFFUSION copper flowed over the tungsten fibers by gravity and
CANNOT ALWAYS MATCH
capillarity and fully infiltrated the fiber bundle to form a sound,
THERMAL EXPANSIONS
fully dense composite. After infiltration, the composite rods
Figure ].-- Advantages and disadvantages of combining a fiber and a matrix were removed from the ceramic tubes. Some rods were
into a composite, centerless ground into test specimens, while others had
threaded grips brazed onto their ends to make threaded, round
covering a range of fiber contents and fiber diameters. test specimens.
The mutual insolubility of the components allowed a detailed This method of fabrication allowed production of large
analysis of the stress-strain behavior to determine the contri- numbers of fully dense, pore-free composites, with accurately
butions of each component to the properties of the composite. aligned unidirectional fiber orientation, to be used for analysis
A series of research programs were conducted to investigate of the behavior of W/Cu composites. All testing was done in
the stress-strain behavior of W/Cu composites; the effect of the longitudinal direction, and all properties were determined
fiber content on the strength, modulus, and electrical in the direction parallel to the fiber axis.
conductivity of W/Cu composites; and the effect of alloying
elements on the behavior of tungsten wire and of W/Cu
composites. Later programs investigated the stress-rupture, Stress-Strain Behavior of Tungsten Fiber
creep, and impact behavior of these composites at elevated Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites
temperatures. These results were used to select candidate fibers
and matrices for the development of usable tungsten fiber Analysis of the stress-strain curve of metal matrix
reinforced superalloy composite materials for high-temperature composites is the key to understanding the behavior and
aircraft and rocket engine turbine applications. This report predicting the mechanical properties of composites. The W/Cu
summarizes the W/Cu composite efforts conducted at NASA composite system is an ideal model to evaluate the stress-strain
Lewis Research Center, describes some of the results obtained, behavior of composites (refs. 6 and 7). Tungsten and copper
and provides an update on more recent work using W/Cu are mutually insoluble and have no interracial reaction. Both
composites as high-strength, high-thermal-conductivity com- the fiber and the matrix undergo plastic deformation at failure,
posite materials for high heat flux, elevated-temperature and the properties of each component are very reproducible
applications. and consistent.
A set of stress-strain curves of W/Cu composites is presented
in figure 2. These curves show that there are four stages of
Materials and Fabrication deformation in a ductile-fiber/ductile-matrix composite, such
as W/Cu. These stages are shown schematically in figure 3
The basic W/Cu model composite work used commercially for the fiber, matrix, and composite. The stress on the
drawn type 218CS-tungsten filament wire (General Electric composite, at any point on the stress-strain curve, can be
Co.). This wire was selected for study because of its high represented by a volume-percent-weighted rule-of-mixtures
tensile strength, its high recrystallization temperature, its relation connecting the stress on the fiber and the stress on
availability in a wide range of diameters, and its relative ease the matrix at the strain at that point on the curve:
of handling.
Oxygen-free, high-conductivity (OFHC) copper was selected
as the primary matrix material for these composites. This
choice was based on copper's melting point (below a temper-
ature where the properties of the tungsten wire are seriously where o is the stress, V is the volume fraction, and the
degraded by recrystallization), its insolubility in tungsten, and subscripts c,f, and m refer to the composite, fiber, and matrix
the ability of molten copper to wet tungsten. In addition, respectively. The superscript * refers to the stress on each
c TUNGSTEN WIRE CORRECTED CURVE - gives rise to a secondary modulus E" which can be predicted
BASED ON DYNAMIC MODULUS by
2500 --
F TUNGSTEN WIRE RECORDED
_ CURVE - BASED ON CROSS- /a, \
_HEAD MOVEMENT
,+:=+,++I,,,, ]
(3)
\
2000__
53.&
cO
16o
1000-- STAGE STAGE STAGE STAGE
.i I iv $
i
I
120
i
i
}!ii?iiiiili??iiiiii?i!?:
80
500 _- 28.0
__i_i ??_?i_Zi_ii?iiiiiiii????)!?iii?;_?
_iiii{
0 L /--COPPER
0 .q .8 1.2 1.G 2,0
STRAIN, PERCENT ELONGATION ======================================
Figure 2.--Stress-strain curves for tungsten wire, copper, and tungsten fiber
reinforced copper matrix composites (refs. 6 and 7).
_\\\\\\NNNN\\\_N,\"q!:!:!:!:i_:i:i:i:i:i:-i:::i:i:i:i:_:
STRAIN
component at the same strain and in the condition in which Figure 3.--Schematic representation of four stages of stress-strain behavior
of metal matrix composites (after refs. 6 and 7).
it exists within the composite.
In stage I behavior, both the fiber and the matrix undergo
elastic strain. Since each component is straining elastically,
the composite also exhibits elastic behavior. The modulus of 500 --
- g, 50 --
E_ = E/D+ EmF_ (2) _.a Q.
lad t,d _0
This linear relation between the moduli of the fiber and the
matrix is shown by a plot of the dynamic modulus of elasticity
data from W/Cu composites over a range of fiber contents 30
20O cO
(fig. 4). The line shown on the figure represents the rule-of-
mixtures prediction connecting the modulus of the copper 20
matrix with that of the tungsten fiber.
In stage II behavior, the fibers continue to strain elastically,
10 I I 1 1 J
but the matrix has passed into plastic strain. For W/Cu 20 _0 GO 80 I00
composites, the fibers continue to strain elastically to about FIBER CONTENT, VOL %
0.4 percent strain, while the copper matrix only strains Figure 4.--Dynamic modulus of elasticity of tungsten, copper, and tungsten
elastically to about 0.04 percent strain. This strain transition fiber reinforced copper matrix composites (refs. 6 and 7).
FLIER strength, based on offset from the initial modulus should not
DI/V_ETER,
be significantly different from that based on the secondary
Dr,
modulus. The line shown represents a least-squares fit of the
Y@ (MILS)
data obtained. Extrapolation of this curve to the endpoints
D
0 ,127 (5) CONTINOOUS shows good agreement with the anticipated yield strengths of
0.177 (7) )
0 ,077 (3) the copper matrix and the tungsten reinforcing fiber.
A .127 (5) DISCONTINUOUS Stage III behavior continues until the ultimate strength of
LEAST-SQUARES
CALCULATION the fiber is reached, which coincides with the strain where
the ultimate tensile strength of the composite is also reached.
60x106
The ultimate tensile strength of the W/Cu composites can be
predicted using the equation:
i _ 50
!
I
.
>- a_= o/D + og,v_ (5)
-- 0
_, _ qo
where cr_ is the stress on the matrix at the strain at which the
320
stress-strain curve of the plastically deforming copper matrix
and at the initial modulus of the still-elastic tungsten fiber. 2000--
In stage III behavior, both the fiber and matrix are straining 280
where a,_ is the stress on the matrix at the strain at which the _- 120
yield strength of the fiber is measured. For most matrices,
stress increases due to work hardening are not significant over
80
this strain range, compared with the differences in strength 500--
between the fiber and the matrix. Therefore the value of the CALCULAT[ON
yield strength of the matrix or, could be substituted for the 4O
value of am in equation 4, if actual stress-strain data are not
available. Yield strength data for W/Cu composites are shown
o- I J I J 3
in figure 6. The yield strengths of the composites were 0 20 tlO GO 80 100
FIBERCONTENT,VOL %
calculated using a 0.2 percent offset, based on the secondary
modulus for convenience of measurement. Because the copper Figure 6.--Yield strength (based on secondary modulus) of tungsten fiber
stress-strain curve was flat in the plastic region, the yield reinforced copper matrix composites (refs. 6 and 7).
Properties of Composites Reinforced
SCATTER
With Discontinuous Fibers
BAND OF /
15 TESTS--" All of the composities discussed previously were reinforced
with continuous unidirectional tungsten fibers. Other compos-
ites were fabricated with uniaxially oriented, discontinuous-
fiber reinforcement and tested in the direction parallel to the
. fibers. Tungsten wire, 0.127 mm (5 mil) in diameter, was
chopped to lengths of 0.975 mm (0.375 in.), and infiltrated
with copper. Results of tensile tests on these composites, with
a reinforcing-fiber length-to-diameter aspect ratio of 75, are
shown in figure 10 for a range of fiber contents. The ultimate
tensile strengths of the composites showed good agreement
with the rule-of-mixtures prediction line used for composites
reinforced with continuous fibers.
I---.
Although the stress-strain behavior and tensile strength
relations observed for discontinuous-fiber-reinforced
80 0 REFERENCESG AND 7
500--
E] REFERENCEtl
-- RULE-OF-MIXTURES
; qO PREDICTION tt0 _
(EQ. (5))
0 --
0 20 qo 60 80 100 50 --
FIBER CONTENT,vot %
g
_ lO
fail, and the load drops rapidly. The composite is then held
together by ligatures of ductile, unreinforced matrix that
continue to strain until they also fail. The stress on the I I I I I I
composite drops as these ligatures break. 20 qO 60 80 11)0
FIBER CONTENT,VOL %
The effect of fiber content on failure strain is shown over
a range of fiber contents in figure 8. At low fiber content, Figure 8.--Failure strain of tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites
matrix ligatures were of sufficient size to continue to strain, (refs. 6 and 7).
: 5
2500 -- 360,-- the average tensile strength of the fiber will be one-half of
its ultimate tensile strength. As the fiber length gets longer,
SCATTER __J__
BAND OF a greater portion of the fiber will be able to carry its full tensile
IS stress. For a continuous fiber, the ineffective length at the ends
2000 -- 0 REFERENCES of the fiber becomes insignificant and the average fiber tensile
-- 6 AND 7 strength will be equal to its ultimate tensile strength. For a
I"-I REFERENCE 4
discontinuous fiber, the ineffective length at the ends of the
-- RULE-OF
-- MIXTURES fibers cannot carry a full tensile load, and the average tensile
PREDICTION stress that can be carried by a discontinuous fiber is the ratio
1500
of the effective length (L - Legit) to the total fiber length L as
given by
IOO0
120
Of'av = Of'max ( ]-2L/
(7)
(8)
composites are similar to those observed for composites with
o+=os LcritN_ ]Z
where af is the tensile strength of the fiber, Dy is the fiber Figure 1 l.--Tensile stress gradients on fibers of various lengths (refs. 9 and
diameter, and r is the shear strength of the matrix. At Lcrit , 10).
1i
for discontinuous-fiber reinforced W/Cu composites tested at ASPECT TENSILE SHEAR
RATIO, FAILURE FAILURE
523 K (482 F). The deviations from continuous-fiber L/D
composite behavior increased significantly with decreasing 2O0 []
200
fiber aspect ratio (fig. 12). 1200 -- - -- 100 0 @ L/D
100
strength values predicted for continuous-fiber reinforced
composites at 755 K (900 F), whereas composites reinforced 400 -- _
with fibers with an aspect ratio of 100 had lower strengths.
_ so
Similar trends were observed for W/Cu composites tested at
p-
0- I I I
0 5 10 15
ASPECT
ASPECT RATIO, L/D
RATIO,
L/D
Figure 14.--Effect of aspect ratio on failure load and failure mode of tungsten-
15001--' 200 -- 0 oo wire/copper-matrix pullout specimens (ref. 11).
0 _0 o
i A 20 _-
_160 FI 10 /
.; -- _7 s by determining the aspect ratio where failure underwent a
transition from shear pullout to fiber tensile failure. The
experimentally determined critical aspect ratio increased with
120 --
increasing temperature (fig. 15). The rise was fairly minor
U_ gO up to 755 K (900 *F), but increased rapidly above this
I000i _ _-
temperature.
The fracture behavior of unidirectional discontinuous-fiber
W/Cu composites is also influenced by the orientation of the
fibers. There are three potential fracture modes in fiber-
oi- _v I I I I I reinforced composites: tensile failure of the fiber, shear failure
0 20 [10 60 80 100
FIBER CONTENT, VOL ,L at the fiber/matrix interface, and tensile failure of the matrix
(fig. 16). A composite will fail at the lowest strength condition
Figure 12.--Effect of aspect ratio on ultimate tensile strength of tungsten fiber
reinforced copper matrix composites reinforced with discontinuous tungsten predicted from these three potential failure modes at a given
wire tested at 523 K (482 *F) (ref. 10). fiber orientation (ref. 9). At very low angles from uniaxiality,
fl FAILURE
" /
!
SHEAR
TENSILE J
TENSILE-SHEAR
S 16
0_ SHEAR PULLOUT J 600--
Lr_ 80
REGION OF EXPECTED A O/
__ FIBERS ALIGNED/"
8 -- TENSILE FAILURE _J _oo _ _o
PARALLEL TO _
. AA_ -./- o
_ _NOoF EXPECTED TENSILE
_o
U _ PULLOUT
FAILURE rFIBERS ALIGNED 30
=
I ! T 1 i
0_'_ x TO TENSILE AXIS .
0 300 600 900
TEST TEMPERATURE, oF
1200 |500
+ 200 --
20 /qk._
o
\ +._-
=
I 1 I 1 1 I I 1 I I I
200 qO0 600 800 1000 1200 0 --
TEST TEMPERATURE,K 0 20 qO 60 80 100
FIBER CONTENT, v_ %
Figure 15.--Effect of test temperature on critical aspect ratio for tungsten-
Figure 17.--Composite strength as a function of fiber content and orientation
wire/copper-matrix pullout shear specimens (ref+ 11).
for copper matrix composites reinforced with discontinuous tungsten fibers;
fiber aspect ratio, 100 at 1089 K (1500 *F) (ref. 9).
-_-_ iL._--o
= oc \IN MATRIX Effect of Alloying Additions on Properties
OCr,w \
_ 30 I'I- \. Orn of Tungsten Fiber Reinforced Copper
: I --sHEAR
A,,URE
IN-2, Matrix Composites
" + Ii MATRiX/FiBER J\
i 200 -- ,.,, O=
_ 20_" INTERFACE I_
The previously described model studies of W/Cu composites
used a pure copper matrix which was insoluble in tungsten.
The effect of reactive matrices on composite properties was
studied by using copper binary alloy matrices containing
_' o -- o II +'" I _""+c""-"_ I O+lt
0 20 qO 60 80 90 elements with varying solubility in tungsten (refs. 12 and 13).
FIBER ALIGNMENT TO TENSILE AXIS, _, bEG The composites were tested at room temperature, and a
microstructural analysis was made to determine the types of
Figure 16.--Effectof fiber alignment on strength of discontinuous tungsten
fiber reinforced copper matrix composites (ref. 9). reactions occurring at the fiber/matrix interface. The tensile
strengths of the tungsten fiber/copper-alloy matrix composites
studied were reduced to some degree when alloying with the
a composite will fail at a high stress by tensile failure of tungsten fibers occurred. Several of the composite systems
the fiber. With increasing misalignment, the fracture mode studied, however, showed very little reduction in tensile
changes to a shear failure at the fiber/matrix interface, with strength relative to composites made with a pure copper
an accompanying large decrease in strength. At a fiber matrix.
misalignment of about 65", the fracture mode changes to a Three types of reactions were observed to occur at the
tensile failure in the matrix. tungsten fiber/copper-alloy matrix interface: (1) a diffusion-
These calculations indicate the importance of maintaining penetration reaction accompanied by recrysta!!ization of the
axiality in discontinuous-fiber reinforced composites. As grains at the periphery of the tangsten wire, (2) formation of
the temperature increases, the matrix shear strength drops a two-phase zone, and (3) a solid solution reaction without
rapidly, thus reducing the allowable misalignment of fibers subsequent recrystallization. T-he first type of reaction was
for effective composite reinforcement. At a temperature of observed with alloying additions of cobalt, aluminum, and
1089 K (1500 *F), composite strength starts to drop at a nickel and caused significant degradation of composite strength
misalignment of about 0.5". With misalignments of only 3 *, properties. The second type of reaction was observed with
shear pullout failure predominates (fig. 17), and the composite alloying additions of titanium and zirconium. The third type
strength drops by one-half (ref. 9). Thus, for discontinuous- of reaction was observed with additions of niobium and
l!_:i
3000-- ...... EXTRAPOLATION OF DATA described in reference 14. Results of these tests (ref. 15) are
400
- shown in figure 19. Tungsten wire retained its fibrous
microstructure and exhibited ductile fracture behavior at
.OCTILE
FRACTORE
temperatures up to 1255 K (2000 F). At a test temperature
,,_ -- = --/ "_,... _ .ERACTURE
_ _ _ - LDUCTILE-_r., ..... of 1533 K (2300 *F), the tungsten wire undergoes a transition
__ FRACTURE "_BRITTLE in behavior. At short rupture times, the microstructure of the
_ _ 200 -- _FRACTURE
wire retains its heavily worked condition, while at longer times
1000 --_ _ BRITTLE FRACTURE 'w_.
1oo I I I .'I I and higher temperatures, recrystallization starts to remove the
0 20 40 60 80 100 strong, ductile fibrous structure and replace it with more
RECRYSTALLIZED AREA OF FIBER, PERCENT
equiaxed recrystallized grains, causing reduced strength and
Figure 18.--Effect of recrystallized area on extrapolated tensile strength of ductility in the fiber.
fiber for tungsten fiber reinforced copper--5 wt % cobalt alloy matrix Composites were fabricated using type 218CS-tungsten wire
composites (refs. 12 and 13).
and a pure copper matrix. Stress-rupture and creep tests were
conducted at temperatures of 922 K and 1089 K (1200 and
chromium. These last two types of reactions did not seriously 1500 *F). A creep curve of typical W/Cu composites at each
affect the properties of the composites studied (refs. 12 and 13). test temperature is shown in figure 20. Analysis of the creep
A correlation between the tensile strength and ductility of behavior of the composite, combined with the creep behavior
the composite was observed. In general, those materials that of the copper matrix, allowed calculation of the creep behavior
had the best strengths also had the best ductilities. The strength of the tungsten wire, which could not be measured directly
and ductility behavior was also correlated with depth of penetra- (ref. 16).
tion measurements (refs. 12 and 13). The greater the penetration Analysis of the creep curves of a number of W/Cu specimens
of the alloying element into the tungsten wires (causing a greater indicated that there are seven stages of creep behavior in a
percentage of the fiber area to be recrystallized), the lower the ductile-fiber/ductile-matrix metal matrix composite such as
tensile strength and ductility of the composite (fig. 18). Property W/Cu. Schematic creep curves for the composite, fiber, and
degradation of the composite was greater than that predicted matrix are shown in figure 21(b), and the stress distribution
by the simple rule-of-mixtures relation based on the volume between the fiber and the matrix is shown schematically in
fractions of the reaction zone and the still-intact fiber. This figure 21(a). The first stage consists of initial elastic loading,
fact, along with the observed correlations between the ductility analogous to a high-temperature tensile test, where both the
and tensile strength of the fibers in the composite, suggested tungsten fibers and copper matrix carry a portion of the load
that damage was due to a notch-embrittling effect. It was also proportional to their elastic modulus. The load carried by each
found that the diffusion-triggered penetration-recrystallization component can be predicted by using the stage I analysis of
reaction at the fiber/matrix interface could be prevented by stress-strain behavior at the stress level used in the creep test.
combining the damaging alloying element with one that did After a fiber/matrix stress equilibrium is reached during
not cause this type of reaction and that was compatible with initial loading, the composite starts to elongate with time by
the fiber.
TEMPERATURE.
K (OF)
11--I FIRST
3.2
QUASI FIRST
SECOND
QUASI-SECOND
2.8 THIRD
- ELASTIC FRACTURE -,
2.q
/h?Z t %, K,:_:E:i:!:_:?.!:i:i:!:i:i:i:i_i_i_:_:_:_:_:_:i:i:_:_:!.?i:iii_i_.!_iii_i"
"_-" t
STRESS
2.0 CARRIED
1.6
,//////////////#////////2
1.2
@ _ _i_ _i!7'%
_ :_i:i::!:!!!iii;i::_:_i:_::_ii!::::::::_:::?:!::::i_iiiiiii:::::::_:_..._:
i!!_ii_ _ L: CARRIEDMRESS
.8 /1". ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
',:_....:,:.:,:2:
_', ::::::::_.::-":::::::::::::::::_::::::::::-<'::-:::K::::::: SY i'L_TRI
(a)
(a)
l I 1 I I l I
100 200 300 qO0 500 600 700
TIRE, HR
i,!/__
_!:_(::i_/_/ _/
_ !! ii_i_i_i!_;_i7_7_;_;i_!_i!!i_i_ii_::_!iip_=_!ii_!_i_i_!
"; : : Cc_)R_sIOFTECREEP
_e
z
,c _:_:!:_:_:i:_:_....,.-...-,.....,....,,.<_<
........ - -'-
i_!:i:i:i:!:_:!:_:i:_:_:7$i:_:i:i::._:_:_-:l_._,_-@_./
FIBER
""': ;;:;;_iii';'ii;i ""............................
i_:::_g}..:
/ _"" f .:iiii :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
_i:_.'-_
,:'.'_.._A , EX TERNAL _':.ii_ '_ "
" :i_._.:_ii::_.iii._::ii.::.::.i!ii.i.::.::.i.i.i_i.i.i.::.ii._i::.::.i.ii::._
. _i_._'_ __!_!_:_:i:_:_:
?_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_
I
(b) TIME, HR T--
i
I
(a) Stress distribution.
first-stage creep. As the creep rate decreases, there is a and recovery, and a constant creep rate is attained. With the
continuing rebalancing of stresses between the fiber and the attainment of second-stage creep, with its constant creep
matrix. If the two components enter into second-stage steady- rate, there is an additional rebalancing of stresses between
the components. This stress equilibrium is maintained for a
state creep at different times, then the stronger component,
the fiber, forces the weaker matrix to adopt its deformation fairly high fraction of test life.
10
Ill
100 lO0
6080
F( fl )
40 I"- I i 1olih[ I I llllh[ I I 1olih[ _0 , I, I
IO0
60
_01-
(b)
I I I,ll
8oF
60
qO
2O
(
100
60
40
60 )
4o _ 1Jllh[ I ,I,I,hl I,--"Pm_ 20
-) 101)
80
60
40 (dI)
I I,l,I I
40
20 _I
2O
10
I illl_
lO-q 10-3 10-2 10-1 lO-q 10-5 10-2 10-1
CREEP RATE, PERCENT/HR
I I I Iih
lO-q 10-3 10-2 10-1
CREEPRATE, PERCENT/HR
(a) Stress, 655 MPa (95 000 psi). (f) Stress, 414 MPa (60 000 psi).
Co) Stress, 552 MPa (80 000 psi). (g) Stress, 345 MPa (50 000 psi).
(c) Stress, 517 MPa (75 000 psi). (h) Stress, 276 MPa (40 000 psi).
(d) Stress, 483 MPa (70 000 psi). (i) Stress, 207 MPa (30 000 psi).
(e) Stress, 448 MPa (65 000 psi). (j) Stress, 69 MPa (10 000 psi).
(k) Stress, 34.5 MPa (5000 psi).
Figure 22.--Fiber content as function of creep rate at various stresses for tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites tested at 1089 K (1500 *F) (ref. 16).
After a constant second-stage creep rate is established, the matrix to give a creep rate of _. Since it is difficult to
stress on the composite which causes a given creep rate may experimentally measure creep rates for fibers, this equation
be calculated from a log-stress/log-creep-rate curve. If the allows fiber creep rates, (at various stresses and temperatures),
equilibrium of forces is considered, the stress distribution on to be calculated when the creep rate of the composite is meas-
the fiber and matrix can be predicted by ured and the stress to cause that creep rate is known for the
matrix material.
% = % v/+ % vm (9) The creep rates of W/Cu composites were measured
experimentally and a log-fiber-content/Iog-creep-rate relation
where ac is the stress on the composite to give a creep rate was plotted for a series of composite stresses. An example
of _, and _af_ and am_ are the stresses on the fiber and on the of these plots is shown in figure 22. The fiber contents required
11
for a given creep rate were taken from these curves and were After a period of second-stage creep, most materials pass
plotted for each composite stress in figure 23 to give a rule- into third-stage creep. Again, the onset of third-stage creep
of-mixtures relation of composite stress to fiber content for may occur at different times for the fiber and the matrix.
a series of creep rates. Extrapolation of these data in the Materials such as copper show a considerable amount of third-
low fiber content region showed that the stresses for a given stage creep prior to failure. From the data for W/Cu compos-
creep rate are in good agreement with the creep rates for ites in this investigation, it appears that, for the same rupture
unreinforced copper at these temperatures. time, the tungsten wire remained in second-stage creep for
a much longer time than the copper matrix. Since the fiber
and the matrix are bonded together in the composite, the
240
CREEPRATE, stronger, rate-controlling component--the fiber--forces the
1600 --
more easily deformed matrix to remain in second-stage creep.
PERCENT/HR This process gives rise to a quasi-second-stage creep behavior
2OO 0 10-1 in the composite. This behavior reduces the stress on the matrix
0 I0 -2
to a value that enables it to remain in second-stage creep. The
0 IO-3
A lO-q lowering of the stress on the matrix is compensated by an
_2oo!- increase in the stress on the fiber. Quasi-second-stage creep
160 would be expected to continue until the rate-controlling fiber
enters third-stage creep, at which time a new stress distribution
would be set up between the fiber and the matrix (fig. 21).
Third-stage creep continues until the fibers start to fail and
120
the initiation of composite fracture begins. The individual
fibers in a composite have a scatter band of rupture times at
a given stress. The fibers within the composite would be
expected to have a scatter band similar to that of fibers tested
externally. As the first fibers start to fail at random locations,
the remaining fibers in the composite must support a stress
slightly higher than that originally encountered when all
the fibers were intact. With successive fiber fracture, the
actual stress on the remaining fibers continues to increase.
Eventually, the stress exceeds the strength of the remaining
0 -- fibers, and the composite fractures. The actual time to rupture
would depend on the number of fibers present and on the
1200
rupture-time scatter band of the fibers.
160 Results of stress-rupture tests indicated that the rupture time
of a composite may be predicted by a rule-of-mixtures type
relation similar to that used to predict composite creep rates.
For a given composite stress, the log of the rupture time is
120
a function of the log of the fiber content (fig. 24). This data
was used to determine the fiber contents required for given
o [] rupture times for a number of eomposite stresses as shown
80 in figure 25. This plot shows that a linear rule-of-mixtures
relation exists between the composite stress and the fiber
content for a given rupture time. The stress to cause rupture
400 D
of a composite at a given time can be predicted from the
qO
properties of the fiber and matrix by
o .... _" _o 6o 80 1_
FIBER CONTENT. v_ Z
where the stress on a composite to cause rupture in time t can
(a) Test temperature, 922 K (1200 F). be calculated when the stress-rupture properties of the fiber
(b) Test temperature, 1089 K 0500 *F). and matrix are known. Handbook values or experimental data
Figure 23.--Stress for a given creep rate as function of fiber content for can be used directly in equation (10) to predict the properties
tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites (ref. 16). of composites.
12
li
100 _ J . J.l.,.I , . J.,.LI
60F-I ................... The fracture behavior observed from the stress-rupture tests
(a)
of W/Cu composites indicated that the stress redistributions
postulated during quasi-second-stage and third-stage creep
were valid. Unreinforced copper had a brittle stress-rupture
(b)
failure with a very small reduction in area and with a great
deal of intercrystalline cracking at the fracture edge. This
.OFI II,l,hJ I ,l,hhl _llIl,'I_I brittle behavior is typical of materials tested at a very high
(c) fraction of their melting points.
IO0
200 RUPTURE
6OF I I tl I,Iih . I illhl I iIIJlhJ
_0
TIME,
(d)
HR
1200 --
100 0 I
E-
160 [] 10
601_ " I I I I I,l,hl
h0
0 100
(e)
V 1000
100
60_-I
40
,I,I,I,_IQiI-NI_'_--_ I I llltll_ 120
800--
(f)
100
40 I , JlliIiI I , _ _ 80
(O)
u_
400--
60
. I I I
(a)
I
O_
20 I hi I ,lIhhJ I I llldlJ
(i)
200
60
(i)
160
60
1 1 t0 100 1000
(I) 80
RUPTURE TIRE, HR
(k) Stress, 207 MPa (30 000 psi). (a) Test temperature, 922 K (1200 *F).
(1) Stress, 34.5 MPa (5000 psi). (b) Test temperature, 1089 K (1500 *F).
Figure 24.--Fiber content as function of rupture time at various stresses Figure 25.--Stress to cause rupture in 1, 10, 100, and 1000 hr as function
for tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites tested at 1089 K of fiber content for tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites
(1500 *F) (ref. 16). (ref. 16).
13
The incorporation of a small amount of reinforcing fibers
(about 10 vol %) changed this brittle behavior to a very ductile
failure in which the copper almost formed a point at fracture.
Since there was no intercrystailine stress-rupture cracking in
the matrix, it appears that the matrix of the composite failed
in second-stage creep and did not undergo a large amount of
third-stage creep as normally found in copper. The majority
140x103
of strain probably occurred almost instantaneously after the ,00o
F- RATERIAL
fibers fractured. i
RENE ql
i SR-200
Composites with higher fiber contents had a less ductile
120 -- TUNGSTENFIBER _1_
fracture. Although the fibers had about the same reduction 800-- REINFORCEDCOPPER F|
in area as when tested externally (about 80 percent), the
composites had an apparent ductility of about 20 percent
100 --
reduction in area. The fiber/matrix bond had been destroyed
at the fracture plane during necking of the fibers, and the fibers 600D ,
continued to neck in their normal behavior until they failed. p.. 80 --
The copper matrix between the fibers would then start into ,%
third-stage creep for a short time until the fibers broke, at
which time the entire load would be imposed on the matrix =
400 m 60
figure 26, the 100-hr rupture strength and the 100-hr rupture- 2O
strength/density ratio at 1089 K (1500 F) of two superalloys
commonly used in this temperature range are compared with
-I-t
those of WICu composites. The plot shows that at intermediate 0 m 0
0 50 100
fiber contents the 100-hr rupture strength of the composites
(a)
compares favorably with the superalloys. At higher fiber
contents (> 60 vol %), the properties of the W/Cu composites
were superior to those of the superalloys. In spite of the 2qOx 103
high density of the tungsten wire, the 100-hr rupture-
strength/density ratio of the W/Cu composites also compares 9
favorably with that of the superalloys. These results are even
;l
more remarkable when considering that the 100-hr rupture z -!
strength Of unreinforced copper at 1089 K (1500 F) is 2.6
MPa (0.379 ksi), whereas a 50 vol % W/Cu composite has
a 100-hr rupture strength of about 483 MPa (70 ksi).
The stress-rupture and creep results obtained in this W/Cu
120
model system study served as the basis for methods of a:
stress-rupture life of discontinuous-fiber composites (ref. 18). superalloys at 1089 K (1500 F) (ref. 16).
14
Illi
Button-head pullout specimens with 0.254-mm-(10-mil-)
TIME TO
diameter tungsten wire infitrated with copper were tested at FAILURE,
30
922 and 1089 K (1200 and 1500 *F) for nominal shear pullout HR
stress-rupture times of 1, 10, and 100 hr. These tests used 1oo0
the same type of pullout specimen mentioned earlier and 20
lO0
reported in reference 11. A summary of the results is shown
10
in figure 27. The observed critical aspect ratios were greater
than in short-time tensile tests but were within the same order N
40 -- STRESS-
RUPTURE
LIFE,
15
all specimens bent in a ductile manner while absorbing an TEf_ERATURE,
K (%)
impact value in excess of 12.88 J (114 in.-Ib) prior to being
120 0 297 (75)
forced out of the testing machine. Notched miniature Izod I
0 811 (1000)
specimens were also tested and fractured at an impact strength
I
below that of the unnotched specimens. 12
|
m
Figure 29.--Effect of fiber content on room-temperature impact strength of Copper and tungsten are two of _e best electrical conductors
tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites (ref. 20). available. As part of the evaluation and analysis of the W/Cu
=
16 i
!
i
[l_ t i
r-,r-,r-,n
SILVER
,6 _ 6 K /--ELECTRICAL
AVAILABLE
L_ CONDUCTIVITY p EC ALUMINUM
ELECTRICAL
, .s- E ELECTRICAL
/ CONDUCTORS
OXYGEN-FREE, HIGH-
CONDUCTIVITY COPPER
o _
20
I
CONDUCT IV ITY
1
40 60
I
80
I I
100
FIBER CONTENT, VOL %
onm
_- 0 25 50 75 100
composites program, composites covering a wide range of FIBER CONTENT, VOL %
fiber contents were fabricated and tested to determine the effect
Figure 32.--Comparison of ultimate tensile strength/resistivity ratios for
of fiber content on room-temperature electrical resistivity and
tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites with those for other
conductivity (ref. 22). electrical conductors (ref. 22).
Results of electrical resisitivity and its reciprocal, conduc-
tivity, are plotted in figure 31 as a function of fiber content.
These results showed that the electrical resistivity was a
hyperbolic function of fiber content and that the electrical to resistivity for W/Cu composites in the 50 to 75 vol % fiber
conductivity was a linear rule-of-mixtures function of fiber range was about three to seven times that of the other
content. The electrical conductivity of the composites can be conductors.
expressed as For applications where density is also important, the
materials were also compared on the basis of ultimate tensile
strength/density-to-resistivity ratio in figure 33. The ratio
K c = KfV/+ KmV,. (ll)
increased with increasing fiber content to reach a maximum
at about 50 voi % and then dropped to the value of tungsten
where K is the electrical conductivity and V is the volume wire. The plot shows that W/Cu composites, with a fiber
fraction of the fiber or matrix. content of 50 to 60 vol %, are about 10 to 15 percent better
Because of the high strength and relatively high electrical than the best high-strength electrical cable available, about
conductivity of W/Cu composites, they have potential as 30 percent better than aluminum, and more than twice as good
practical, high-strength electrical conductors. By combining as copper.
a W/Cu composite electrical conductor as a structural member, These plots show that W/Cu composites have good potential
significant potential weight savings could be gained in space- as high-strength, high-electrical-conductivity materials. A fiber
craft applications. Since high-strength electrical conductors content of 55 to 60 vol % would probably be the best
require materials that are a compromise between strength and compromise between electrical conductivity, strength, and
conductivity, ratios of ultimate tensile strength to resistivity strength/density. A further potential advantage is that with their
were compared for various materials. The values for W/Cu very high tensile and creep strengths shown at elevated
composites are plotted over a range of fiber contents in temperatures, W/Cu composites could also be used at much
figure 32 and are compared to current conductors and high- higher temperatures than current electrical conductors. This
strength electrical cables. The strength-to-resistivity ratio for would allow the composites to carry increased current amper-
W/Cu composites increased rapidly above a fiber content of ages without structural damage since conductor overheating
about 10 vol %, reached a maximum at about 70 vol %, and would be a far less severe problem than with standard
then fell off to that of the tungsten wire. The ratio of strength conductors.
17
SILVER Based on the good high-temperature properties of W/Cu
composites, a preliminary fabrication demonstration and
AVAILABLE testing program was conducted to determine the feasibility of
EC ALUMINUM
ELECTRICAL
using W/Cu composites as rocket thrust chamber combustion
CONDUCTORS
L'_ OXYGEN-FREE, HIGH-
liner materials. Materials for the composites, which were
CONDUCTIVITY COPPER
chosen on the basis of strength and thermal conductivity,
I_ SIX STRANDS OF ALUMINUM, STEEL
ONE STRAND OF STEEL were a 0.2-mm-(8-mil-) diameter W-3Re (type 3D, General
REINFORCED
E Electric Co.) fiber and a Cu-0.15Zr (Amzirc) matrix (which
ALUMINUM
54 STRANDS OF ALUMINUM,
19 STRANDS OF STEEL CABLES has about the same thermal conductivity as OFHC copper).
TUNGSTEN FIBER REINFORCED Fiber content was selected from design projections of the
COPPER COMPOSITES strength and thermal conductivity of W/Cu composites for a
E
minimum-weight configuration (figs. 35 and 36). The goal was
to get a strength improvement over the current liner material,
4_1o
s NARloy-Z (Cu-3Ag-O.5Zr) (Rocketdyne Div., Rockwell
N 3 International Corp.), with a minimal loss in thermal
conductivity.
_ 2 The strength and thermal cycle behavior of W/Cu compos-
ites were determined by fabricating and testing W/Cu
composite tubes. A 10 vol % fiber content was chosen to meet
the strength, conductivity, and weight requirements. The
_v o 0 25 50 75 lOO
FIER CONTENT, VOL I
ORIGINAL PAGE m
Is
BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH i
!
ill li
composite tubes were 8.5 times stronger than similar unrein-
forced copper tubes in internal pressurization tests at 1228 K
(1700 F). In addition, the W/Cu composite tubes were thermal
cycled from 339 to 866 K (150 to 1100 F) and exhibited no
thermal distortion after 20130 cycles. Several cylindrical
combustion Iiner test specimens were fabricated for future
evaluation in rocket engine test firings (fig. 37). The final phase
of the program made a subscale combustion liner fabrication
demonstration structure in which a one-third size, hour-glass-
shaped composite combustion liner was successfully fabricated
(fig. 38).
3oo
N 200
lO0
I I I I
0 5 10 15 20
FIBER CONTENT, VOL
C 811-(_75
400
350 ._?o,o.2
.,,_ Concluding Remarks
_z I_.RC
MATR I_x--_GSTEN/AMZ IRC COPPER
300
NASA Lewis Research Center conducted a series of research
_..NARIoy-Z MATRIX-K)
0 CALCULATION OF THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY programs to evaluate the properties of tungsten fiber reinforced
VERSUS FIBER CONTENT copper matrix composites. The W/Cu composite system was
250 -- 0 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THERMAL
chosen as a model system because of the mutual insolubility
CONDUCTIVITY OF COMPOSITES
CONTAINING 10 VOL % FIBER of tungsten and copper which allowed the individual properties
200 I I I I I I of the fiber and matrix to be related to the properties of the
o 5 10 15 20 25 30 cornposities. Most of the composities studied had pure copper
FIBER CONTENT, VOL
matrices, but some copper alloys also were studied to give
insight into diffusion-reaction kinetics. In the course of these
Figure 36.--Effect of fiber content on projected thermal conductivity of tung-
sten fiber reinforced copper-alloy matrix composites at 866 K (1100 *F) studies, stress-strain behavior, tensile and creep behavior, and
(ref. 23). impact and conductivity behavior were analyzed.
ORIGINAL PAGE 19
References
I. McDanels, D.L.; Serafini, T.T.; and DiCarlo, J.A.,: Polymer, Metal 13. Petrasek, D.W.; and Weeton, LW.: Effects of Alloying on Room-
and Ceramic Matrix Composites for Advanced Aircraft Engine Temperature Properties of Tunsten-Fiber-Reinforced Copper-Alloy
Applications. J. Mater. Energy Systems, vol. 8, no. I, June 1986, Composities. Trans. Met. Soc. AIME, vol. 230, no. 5, Aug. 1964,
pp. 80-91. (Also, NASA TM-87132.) pp. 977 990.
2. Petrasek, D.W.; and Signorelli, R.A.: Tungsten Fiber Reinforced 14. Jech, R.W.; Springborn, R.H.; and McDaaels, D.L.: Apparatus for
Superalloys--A Status Review. Fabrication of Composite Materials Stress-Rupture Testing of Filaments in a Controlled Atmosphere. Rev.
Source Book, M.M. Schwartz, eel., American Society for Metals, Metals Sci. Instrum., vol. 35, no. 3, Mar. 1964, pp. 314-315.
Park, OH, 1985, pp. t4-81. (Also, NASA TM-82590.) 15. McDanels, D.L; and Signorelli, R.A.: Stress-Rupture Properties of
3. McDanels, D.L.; and Signorelli, R.A.: Improvement of High Velocity Tungsten Wire From 1200 to 2500 *F. Met. Eng. Q., vol. 6, no. 3,
Ballistic Impact Behavior of Boron/Aluminum Composities. NASA Aug. 1966, pp. 51-58. (Also, NASA TN D-3467.)
TM 83683, 1984. 16. McDanels, D.L.; Signorelli, R.A.; and Weeton, J.W.: Analysis of Stress-
4. Jech, R.W.; McDanels, D.L.; and Weeton, J.W.: Fiber Reinforced Rupture and Creep Properties of Tungsten Fiber Reinforced Cooper
Metallic Composites. Composite Materials and Composite Structures, Composities. Fiber Strengthened Metallic Composites, ASTM STP-427,
Syracuse University Press, Syracuse, NY, 1959, pp. 116-139. American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, 1967,
5. McDanels, D.L.; Jech, R.W.; and Weeton, J.W.: Metals Reinforced pp. 124-148. (Also, NASA TN D-4173.)
with Fibers. Met. Prog., vol. 78, no. 6, Dec. 1960, pp. 118-121. 17. Petrasek, D.W.: High-Temperature Strength of Refractory-Metal Wires
6. McDanels, D.L., Jech, R.W. ; and Weeton, J.W.: Stress-Strain Behavior and Consideration for Composite Applications. NASA TN D-6881,
of Tungsten-Fiber-Reinforced Copper Composites. NASA TN D- 188l, 1972.
1963. 18. Jech, R.W. : Influence of Fiber Aspect Ratio on the Stress-Rupture Life
7. McDanels, D.L.; Jech, R.W.; and Weeton, J.W.: Analysis of Stress- of Discontinuous fiber Composites. NASA TN D-5735, 1970.
Strain Behavior of Tungsten-Fiber-Reinforced Copper Composites. 19. Jech, R.W.: Critical Aspect Ratio for Tungsten Fibers in Copper-Nickel
Trans. Met. Soc. AIME, vol. 233, no. 4, Apr. 1965, pp. 636-642. Matrix Composites. NASA TM X-3311, 1975.
8. Petrasek, D.W.: Elevated-Temperature Tensile Properties of Alloyed 20. Winsa, E.A.; and Petrasek, D.W.: Pendulum Impact Resistance of
Tungsten Fiber Composites. Trans. Met. Soc. AIME, vol. 236, no. 6, Tungsten-Fiber Metal-Matrix Composites. Composite Materials: Testing
June 1966_ pp. 887-896. (Also, NASA TN D-3073.) and Design, ASTM 8TP-497, American Society for Testing and
9. Petrasek, D.W.; Signorelli, R.A.; and Weeton. J.W. : Metallurgical and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, 1972, pp. 350-362. (Also, NASA TM
Geometrical Factors Affecting Elevated-Temperature Tensile Properties X-67810.)
of Discontinuous Tungsten-Fiber-Reinforced Composites. Fiber 21. Winsa, E.A.: and Petrasek, D.W.: Factors Affecting Miniature Izod
Strengthened Metallic Composites, ASTM STP-427, American Society Impact Strength of Tungsten-Fiber-Metal Matrix Composites. NASA
for Testing and Materials, 1967. pp. 149-175. (Also, NASA TN TN D-7393, 1973.
D-3886.) 22. McDanels, D.L.: Electrical Resistivity and Conductivity of Tungsten Fiber
10. Kelly, A.; and Tyson, W.R.: Fibre Strengthened Materials. High-Strength Reinforced Copper Composites. Trans. ASM, vol. 59, Dec. 1966, pp.
Materials, V.F. Zackay, ed., John Wiley & Sons, NY, 1965, pp. 994-997. (Also, NASA TN D-3590.)
578-602. 23. Westfall, L.J.; and Petrasek, D.W.: Fabrication and Preliminary
11. Jech, R.W.; and Signorelli, R,A.: The Effect of Interfiber Distance and Evaluation of Tungsten Fiber Reinforced Copper Composite Combustion
Temperature on the Critical Aspect Ratio in Composites. NASA Chamber Liners. NASA TM-100845, 1988.
TM X-52347, 1967. (Also, NASA TN D 4548.)
12. Petrasek, D.W.; and Weetcm, J.W.: Alloying Effect on Tensile Properties
and Micro-Structure of Tungsten-Fiber-Reinforced Composi!es. NASA
TN D-1568, 1963.
20
National Aeronautics and Report Documentation Page
Space Administration
1. Report No. 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No,
NASA TP-2924
586-01-11
g. Performing Organization Name and Address
11. Contract or Grant No.
16. Abstract
Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix (W/Cu) composites have served as an ideal model system with which to
analyze the properties of metal matrix composites. A series of research programs were conducted to investigate
the stress-strain behavior of W/Cu composites; the effect of fiber content on the strength, modulus, and conduc-
tivity of W/Cu composites; and the effect of alloying elements on the behavior of tungsten wire and of W/Cu
composites. Later programs investigated the stress-rupture, creep, and impact behavior of these composites at
elevated temperatures. Analysis of the results of these programs has allowed prediction of the effects of fiber
properties, matrix properties, and fiber content on the properties of W/Cu composites. These analyses formed the
basis for the rule-of-mixtures prediction of composite properties which has been universally adopted as the
criteria for measuring composite efficiency. In addition, the analyses allowed extrapolation of potential properties
of other metal matrix composites and were used to select candidate fibers and m_r_ for development of
tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy composite materials for high-temperature aircraft and rocket engine turbine
applications. This report summarizes the W/Cu composite efforts conducted at NASA Lewis Research Center,
describes some of the results obtained, and provides an update on more recent work using W/Cu composites as
high-strength, high-thermal-conductivity composite materials for high heat flux, elevated-temperature applications.
22. Price*
19. Security Classif. (of this report) 20. Security Classif. (of this page) 21. No of pages
NASAFORM1626OCT_ * For sale by the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161
NASA-Langley, 1989
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