A SiC-fiber/Al-alloy composite is fabricated with 20 volume percent of fibers. The elastic modulus of SiC and Al are 400 GPa and 70 GPa, respectively. The Al-alloy yields at a yield strength of 250 MPa, and the flow stress remains constant at 250 MPa thereafter (perfectly plastic response). The strength of the SiC fiber is 2.8 GPa. (a) Determine the strength of the composite at failure. Assume that the composite fractures when the fibers fail. Note also that the matrix may or may not go plastic when the fibers fail; i.e., you need to check if matrix yielding occurs. (b) Plot the stress-strain curve for the fiber, matrix and the composite.

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Answer a The strength of the composite at failure can be determined by using the rule of mixtures Th... View the full answer