Experimental Study on the Effect of Gradient Interface on the Mechanical Properties of Cu/WC_P Functionally Gradient...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Functional gradient materials (FGMs) offer tailored properties by varying composition across layers.
• Copper-tungsten carbide (Cu/WC) composites are explored for enhanced mechanical performance.
• Understanding interface effects is crucial for optimizing FGM behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gradient interfaces on the mechanical properties of Cu/WC FGMs.
• To analyze the strain distribution and deformation behavior under tensile load.
• To correlate interface characteristics with material strength and fracture patterns.

Main Methods:

• Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique for precise deformation measurement.
• Preparation of specimens with fine, uniformly distributed speckle patterns for DIC.
• Tensile testing of laminated Cu/WC FGMs along the layer direction.

Main Results:

• Tungsten carbide (WC) particle incorporation significantly improves the stiffness and strength of Cu composites.
• Non-uniform plastic strain and plastic strain rate observed across layers, increasing with decreasing WC content.
• Gradient interfaces exhibit an inhibitory effect on plastic strain rate escalation.

Conclusions:

• The gradient interface plays a critical role in modulating strain rate distribution and influencing fracture location in Cu/WC FGMs.
• DIC is effective in capturing localized deformation phenomena in FGMs.
• Optimizing gradient design can enhance the mechanical reliability of Cu/WC FGMs.