Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 February 2011
The main objective of the present investigation is to determine the evolution of residual stresses by neutron powder diffraction in an Al/SiC composite (Al 7075 reinforced by 27 vol.% SiC whiskers), originating from thermal treatment and mechanical loading. The results show that residual stresses in the matrix and in the reinforcement decrease in magnitude with increasing temperature and they reach the stress free state at the 'equivalent temperature'. As the temperature further increases, these stresses increase numerically in a reverse sense for both phases. The data obtained are analysed in terms of a simple model based on Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method.