Full Stress Tensor Determination during Phase Transformation of a Metal Matrix Composite by in situ High Energy X-Ray Diffraction and Micromechanical Simulations

In situ high energy X-ray diffraction using a synchrotron source performed on a steel metal matrix composite reinforced by TiC allows following the evolutions during cooling of internal stresses thanks to the development of a new original experimental device (a transportable radiation furnace with a controlled rotation of the specimen). Results from experiments as well as from finite element micromechanical simulations allow to understand the stress genesis in the composite.