Importance

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Abstract

The application discloses an apparatus for measuring interfacial properties of a fiber-matrix composite material, such as a ceramic-matrix, metal-matrix or continuous fiber metal-matrix composite; or a support material, such as a fiber-optic fiber support medium. The apparatus includes a linear motion feedthrough having an indentor for pushing a fiber end, a load cell for sensing debonding and frictional sliding loads, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for magnifying the material in order to align the indentor with the fiber end. The feedthrough may push the fiber at a predetermined velocity with up to about a 20 pound load force. The SEM may include a vacuum chamber for housing the material, the indentor, the load cell, and a hot stage module. The hot stage module may increase the temperature of the material to about 1500.degree. C. The apparatus may also include a data acquisition computer for recording the force with respect to time as the fiber is pushed out of the matrix, an acoustic sensor for recording a time when the fiber is debonded from the matrix, and an imaging computer for recording an image of the material. Alternatively, an apparatus may measure a bending or a crushing force which is applied to a fiber shaft by an indentor. Alternatively, a method may sense interfacial properties of a composite material including a plurality of fibers in a matrix having a diameter less than about 10 .mu.m.

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First Claim