Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Mechanical response of interfaces between intermetallic matrices and ductile reinforcements is of considerable interest in intermetallic matrix composite design. A new approach has been developed to study crack initiation at a planar bimaterial interface by loading one of the adjoining phases in compression. A primarily Mode II stress state with different degrees of superimposed tensile and compressive loading develops at the interface as predicted by FEM analysis. This test method has been used to study NiAl/Mo and NiAl/Cr interfaces in model laminates.