In Situ SEM Observation of Fracture Characteristics of SiC Particle Reinforced Aluminum Alloy Composites

In order to directly observe microscopic phenomena during static stressing, the in situ tensile test in the SEM was carried out for SiC particle reinforced A356 aluminum alloy composite. It was found that cracks initiate from the porosity and propagate quickly. When some cracks were hindered by SiC particles, new branches generated. The fractured particles were also found and analyzed by using quantitative metallography. The result was compared with the section of common shape specimen in a tensile test machine.