Effects of hold-time at a certain temperature on LCF behavior and failure mechanism of a titanium matrix composite

The effects of hold-time at a given temperature on tensile behavior, LCF response and failure mechanism of a 10 vol% SiC particulate reinforced titanium alloy have been investigated. The specimens were heated to 600 °C by using a controlled atmosphere furnace, held at this temperature for duration ranging from 0 to 100-h low cycle fatigue (LCF) and tensile tests were then performed at room temperature. These results coupled with microstructural examinations, chemical analysis and image analysis, were used to determine the effects of hold-time at 600 °C on the tested material. The results showed that exposure time had a considerable effect on LCF life and failure mechanism of the material. The longer the hold-time, the lower was the fatigue life. In addition, the cyclic response, elongation to failure and tensile strength of the material were influenced by exposure time at the tested temperature. The results are discussed according to change in reinforcement/metal interfaces due to holding at this temperature.