Tungsten Fiber Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites: A Review.
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 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, 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 matrices for development of tungsten fiber reinforced super- alloy 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA309283
Entities
People
- David L. Mcdanels
Organizations
- Glenn Research Center