Damage accumulation and mechanical properties of particle-reinforced metal–matrix composites during hydrostatic extrusion

The effects of hydrostatic extrusion on particle cracking and on the subsequent tensile properties of some prototypical particle-reinforced metal–matrix composites are investigated. In most cases, tensile failure occurs through a plastic instability in accordance with the Considere criterion for necking. The corresponding failure strain is therefore dictated by the global flow and hardening characteristics of the composites, as influenced by …