Successful application of metal matrix composites often requires strength and lifetime predictions that account for the deformation of each constituent. However, the deformation of individual phases in composites usually differs significantly from their respective monolithic behaviors. For instance, generally little is known about the in-situ deformation of the metal matrix and fiber/matrix interface region, other than that it likely differs from the bulk material response. This article describes an approach to quantifying the in-situ deformation parameters using neutron diffraction measurements of matrix failure around a fiber fracture in a model composite consisting of an Al matrix and a single Al(sub 2)O(sub 3) fiber. We also study the shear sliding resistance as it evolves through fiber fracture upon loading and unloading. Matching the stress/strain distributions predicted from micromechanical models to the measured strain distributions determined by neutron diffraction under applied tensile loading results in an estimate of the typically non-linear, stress-strain behavior of the metal matrix.
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