Residual stresses in discontinuous metal matrix composites

Residual microstress was measured, using X-ray and neutron diffraction, in SiCAl composites with SiC in the form of whiskers, platelets and spheres. Average whisker and sphere stresses are similar, with platelet values considerably lower, in disagreement with finite element method analyses. Reasons for the discrepancy, and a comparison of the X-ray and neutron results, are discussed.