Experimental investigation on fatigue property at room temperature of C/SiC composites machined by rotary ultrasonic milling

Rotary ultrasonic milling technology (RUM), as a surface strengthening machining method, was proposed to utilize in processing of C/SiC composites for enhancing anti-fatigue performance innovatively. Static tensile, intermittent fatigue and residual strength test were carried out. Due to constant impingement of high-frequency and low-amplitude vibration, surface residual compressive stress was formed near 2 GPa maximally. Axial thermal residual stress in fiber achieved -662.4 MPa proved by loading-unloading test. The peak value of fatigue damage parameter was reduced significantly. RUM surface restrains most of interface cracks because of residual compressive stress, and hinder the growth of fiber cracks for better machined surface quality. The damage accumulation, the first stress redistribution and fiber reinforcement stage were delayed. Average damage rate was decreased by 80.5 %. Residual tensile strength of RUM C/SiC was improved after fatigue, up to 95.8 % of tensile strength. The strengthening effect from RUM on fatigue property of C/SiC is significant and valuable.

Automated summary

The study showed that the use of Rotary Ultrasonic Milling technology in processing C/SiC composites can significantly enhance their fatigue performance, reduce damage rate, and delay damage accumulation and fiber reinforcement stages.