The application of the eshelby method of internal stress determination to short fibre metal matrix composites

Eshelby's equivalent inclusion approach is used to provide a rigorous theoretical basis for the prediction of the mechanical properties of short fibre composites. The equivalent inclusion construction which is central to this method is described in detail. The elastic, thermoelastic and plastic behaviour of short fibre metal matrix composites is predicted, and, taking the Al/SiC system as an example, compared with experiment. Finally, it is shown that relaxation phenomena play an important role in the development of internal stresses, and that the energetics and the resultant stress redistribution between the two phases can be understood within the framework of the Eshelby model.