Evolution of the internal friction in Sic particle reinforced 8090 Al-Li metal matrix composite

The present Study has been undertaken to investigate the mechanism of thermal stress relief at the range of temperatures below room temperature for the metal matrix composite Al-Li 8090/SiC. For this aim the experimental technique of internal friction has been used which has been showed up very effective. Several thermal cycles from 453 K to 100 K were used in order to measure the internal friction as well as the elastic modulus of the material concluding that thermal stresses are relaxed by microplastic deformation around the reinforcements. It has been also related the variation in the elastic modulus with the different levels of precipitation.