Residual stresses in particulate composites with alumina and zirconia matrices

The paper summarized a calculation of typical stresses caused by the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch in particulate composites with alumina and zirconia matrices containing tungsten carbide and metallic tungsten. The differences in local stress distribution due to the type of matrix and inclusion were established. The FEM simulations were compared with the results of mechanical tests on mentioned composites. The conclusions were assisted by SEM analyses of true composite microstructures, especially focused on a crack path near the interphase boundaries.