Non-Destructive Evaluation of Fatigue Damage in Alumina Fiber Reinforced Aluminum

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Abstract
Thermography, ultrasonic and limited x-ray radiography techniques were employed to identify fatigue damage in alumina fiber reinforced aluminum plates with a centered circular hole. Metallographic examination identified the damage as longitudinal and transverse cracks, which were frequently associated with striation markings in the metal matrix. These striation markings suggest that the aluminum matrix was plastically deformed within a damage zone adjacent to the hole. The length of the cracks iden tified by the ultrasonic techniques varied between 0.40-6.50 mm. There are indications that the size and the location of the fatigue damage may be assessed thermographically.