Dynamic mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of tungsten fiber reinforced Cu-based composites

Tungsten fiber reinforced Cu₈₂Al₁₀Fe₄Ni₄ composites were prepared by a melt infiltrating casting method. Dynamic compression behavior and fracture characteristics were investigated by Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the interface between tungsten fibers and the matrix alloy is compact, and it exhibits high strength under dynamic compression. The composites create some plastic deformation and cracks under dynamic compression at strain rate of 2000 s^-1. The dynamic compressive strength of the composites is 2500 MPa under dynamic compression at strain rate of 3000 s^-1, and the failure modes of the composites include splitting and buckling of tungsten fiber and abruption of the matrix alloy. Meantime, the fracture surface creates lots of melting bands, which change the fracture mode of the composites and accelerate its failure.