Control Effect on Fatigue Crack Propagation of TiNi Fiber Reinforced PMMA Composites

In this paper, the TiNi fiber reinforced/PMMA (Poly methyl methacrylate) composite is developed, and its effectiveness of controlling fatigue crack growth is studied. The TiNi fiber reinforced/PMMA composite’s mechanical property enhancement and deformation resistance are also studied. The fatigue behavior and crack propagation are observed with a SEM servo-pulser (fatigue testing instrument with scanning electron microscope) while increasing temperature. As the results, it is confirmed that the fatigue life and resistance are improved. How the shape memory effect and expansion behavior of the matrix caused by temperature increasing affect the fatigue crack propagation control is examined. It is verified that the control of fatigue crack growth is attributed to the compressive stress field in the matrix due to shrinkage of the TiNi fibers above austenitic finishing temperature (Af).