Abstract: The initial location of the crack and the controlling factor of the fracture in the squeeze casting composites δ-Al2 O3/Al-5.5Zn, δ-Al2 O3/Al-5.5Mg and δ-Al2 O3/Al-cSi were studied by microscopic observation and finite element analysis(FEA). The in situ failure processes were obseroed bU the scanning electronic microscope mp. The distributions of stress components along the fiber length in matta, and the tnean axial stresses of fiber and matrix were calculated by three-dimensional elasto-plastic FEA.It is found that the failure modes of short fiber reiwtreed metal matrix composites change with the variations of the micro-structurnl characteristics of composites, such as fiber orientation, matrix strength and intedecial bonding, etc.

Key words: metal matrix composite, short fiber, fracture characteristics, finite element analysis