Optimization of Tribological Performance of Al-6061T6-15% SiCp-15% Al₂O₃Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites Using Taguchi Method &Grey Relational Analysis

In this investigation, optimization of tribological performance parameters of Al-6061T6 alloy reinforced with SiC (15% by weight) and Al2O3 (15% by weight) particulates having particle size of 37 μm each has been presented. The wear and frictional properties of the hybrid metal matrix composites have been studied by performing dry sliding wear test using pin-on-disc wear tester. A L27 orthogonal array is selected for the analysis of the data. From the test results it is observed that sliding distance has the significant contribution in controlling the friction and wear behaviour of hybrid composites. A confirmation test is also carried out to verify the accuracy of the results obtained through the optimization. In addition an optical micrograph test is also performed on the wear tracks to study the wear mechanism.

Wear Studies on Metal Matrix Composites: a Taguchi Approach

An attempt has been made to study the influence of wear parameters like applied load, sliding speed, sliding distance and percentage of reinforcement on the dry sliding wear of the metal matrix composites. A plan of experiments, based on techniques of Taguchi, was performed to acquire data in controlled way. An orthogonal array and the analysis of variance were employed to investigate the influence of process parameters on the wear of composites. The objective is to establish a correlation between dry sliding wear of composites and wear parameters. These correlations were obtained by multiple regressions. Finally, confirmation tests were conducted to verify the experimental results foreseen from the mentioned correlations.

Statistical Analyses of the Strengths of Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites(PRMMCs)Subjected to Multiple Tensile and Shear Stresses

For design and application of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites(PRMMCs),it is essential to predict the material strengths and understand how do they relate to constituents and microstructural features.To this end,a computational approach consists of the direct methods,homogenization,and statistical analyses is introduced in our previous studies.Since failure of PRMMC materials are often caused by time-varied combinations of tensile and shear stresses,the established approach is extended in the present work to take into account of these situations.In this paper,ultimate strengths and endurance limits of an exemplary PRMMC material,WC-Co,are predicted under three independently varied tensile and shear stresses.In order to cover the entire load space with least amount of weight factors,a new method for generating optimally distributed weight factors in an n dimensional space is formulated.Employing weight factors determined by this algorithm,direct method calculations were performed on many statistically equivalent representative volume elements(SERVE)samples.Through analyzing statistical characteristics associated with results the study suggests a simplified approach to estimate the material strength under superposed stresses without solving the difficult high dimensional shakedown problem.

Influence of Machining Parameter on Tool Life While Machining Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

A metal matrix composite constitutes a continuous metallic matrix and a discontinuous phase known as reinforcement. The hybrid metal matrix composites (Hmmcs) have been used to manufacture drive shafts, disc brake rotors, brake drums, connecting rods pistons, engine block cylinder liners for automotive and rail vehicle applications. The Hmmcs castings of diameter 120 mm and length 300 mm were prepared through sand mould technique following stir casting methodology. The cast components further subjected to evaluation of physical properties and machining tests using two grades of coated inserts and PCD inserts. The experiments were carried out following ISO 3685 standards. The coating thickness of the TiN coated and TiAlN coated inserts were measured using Kalo testing method; the results of the test show that the interface of the substrate and coating was free from the porosity, and the coating thickness of TiN coating was 4.84 microns and TiAlN coating was measured 4.6 microns. The results of the experiments show that performance of the PCD insert was better than coated inserts at 0.1 mm/rev feed; however at 0.2 mm/revolution feed PCD insert failed by micro chipping of cutting edge while machining Hmmcs. When TiAlN coated inserts were used to machine Hmmcs the coated inserts failed by gradual wear and BUE formation.

Thermal residual stresses and stress distributions under tensile and compressive loadings of short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites

The thermal residual stresses and the stress distributions of short fiber reinforced metal matrix composite under tensile and compressive loadings were studied using large strain axisymmetric elasto plastic finite element method. It is demonstrated that the thermal residual stresses can result in asymmetrical stress distributions and matrix plasticity. The thermal residual stresses decrease the stress transfer in tension and enhance the stress transfer in compression. The fiber volume fraction has more important effects on the thermal residual stresses and the stress distributions under tensile and compressive loadings than the fiber aspect ratio and the fiber end distance. [

Effect of deformation temperature on the hot compressive behavior of metal matrix composites with misaligned whiskers

A multi-inclusion cell model is used to investigate the effect of deformation temperature and whisker rotation on the hot compressive behavior of metal matrix composites with misaligned whiskers. Numerical results show that deformation temperature influences the work-hardening behavior of the matrix and the rotation behavior of the whiskers. With increasing temperature, the work hardening rate of the matrix decreases, but the whisker rotation angle increases. Both whisker rotation and the increase of deformation temperature can induce reductions in the load supported by whisker and the load transferred from matrix to whisker. Additionally, it is found that during large strain deformation at higher temperatures, the enhancing of deformation temperature can reduce the effect of whisker rotation. Meanwhile, the stress-strain behavior of the composite is rather sensitive to deformation temperature. At a relatively lower temperature （150℃）, the composite exhibits work hardening due to the matrix work hardening, but at relatively higher temperatures （300℃ and above）, the composite shows strain softening due to whisker rotation. It is also found that during hot compression at higher temperatures, the softening rate of the composite decreases with increasing temperature. The predicted stress-strain behavior of the composite is approximately in agreement with the experimental results.

The hot compressive deformation behavior of the metal matrix composites with the large whisker orientation

Finite element analysis was used to investigate the effects of whisker misalignment on the hot compressive deformation behavior of whisker-reinforced composites. The simulation provided the evolution of the stress field of the composites and the whisker rotation process. It is found that with increasing the angle of whisker misalignment the whisker rotation angle decreases. Meanwhile, the mechanical behaviors of the composites such as work hardening or strain softening are affected by the whisker orientation and rotation during the hot compressive deformation. The predicted results are in agreement with the experimental results.

Investigation into precision engineering design and development of the next-generation brake discs using Al/SiC metal matrix composites

Substantially lightweight brake discs with high wear resistance are highly desirable in the automotive industry.This paper presents an investigation of the precision-engineering design and development of automotive brake discs using nonhomogeneous Al/SiC metal-matrixcomposite materials.The design and development are based on modeling and analysis following stringent precision-engineering principles,i.e.,brake-disc systems that operate repeatably and stably over time as enabled by precision-engineering design.The design and development are further supported by tribological experimental testing and finite-element simulations.The results show the industrial feasibility of the innovative design approach and the application merits of using advanced metal-matrix-composite materials for next-generation automotive and electric vehicles.

EFFECTS OF MICROSTRUCTURE ON THE MACROSCOPIC ELASTO-PLASTIC PROPERTIES OF METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

The generalized self-consistent finite-element iterative averaging method was adopted to analyze the elasto-plastic tensile properties of SiC whiskers reinforced aluminum matrix composites. The effects of varying fiber's aspect ratio and volume fraction on the macroscopic elasto-plastic deformation of the composites were studied. By the analysis of microscopic stress fields, the relation between the propagation of the elasto-plastic region in the matrix and the macroscopic elasto-plastic deformation of composites was discussed. It was found that the propagation of the plastic region in the matrix between the fiber's ends would affect prominently the elasto-plastic tensile behaviour of the composites. It was shown that the characterization of the stress-strain response in terms of the 0.2% offset yield strength is incomplete.

Advances in graphene reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites:Mechanisms,processing,modelling,properties and applications

Graphene has been extensively explored to enhance functional and mechanical properties of metalmatrix nanocomposites for wide-range applications due to their superior mechanical,electrical and thermal properties.This article discusses recent advances of key mechanisms,synthesis,manufacture,modelling and applications of graphene metal matrix nanocomposites.The main strengthening mechanisms include load transfer,Orowan cycle,thermal mismatch,and refinement strengthening.Synthesis technologies are discussed including some conventional methods(such as liquid metallurgy,powdermetallurgy,thermal spraying and deposition technology)and some advanced processing methods(such as molecular-level mixing and friction stir processing).Analytical modelling(including phenomenological models,semi-empirical models,homogenization models,and self-consistent model)and numerical simulations(including finite elements method,finite difference method,and boundary element method)have been discussed for understanding the interface bonding and performance characteristics between graphene and different metal matrices(Al,Cu,Mg,Ni).Key challenges in applying graphene as a reinforcing component for the metal matrix composites and the potential solutions as well as prospectives of future development and opportunities are highlighted.

Ballistic performance of titanium-based layered composites made using blended elemental powder metallurgy and hot isostatic pressing

Metal matrix composites tiles based on Ti-6Al-4V(Ti64)alloy,reinforced with 10,20,and 40(vol%)of either TiC or TiB particles were made using press-and-sinter blended elemental powder metallurgy(BEPM)and then bonded together into 3-layer laminated plates using hot isostatic pressing(HIP).The laminates were ballistically tested and demonstrated superior performance.The microstructure and properties of the laminates were analyzed to determine the effect of the BEPM and HIP processing on the ballistic properties of the layered plates.The effect of porosity in sintered composites on further diffusion bonding of the plates during HIP is analyzed to understand the bonding features at the interfaces between different adjacent layers in the laminate.Exceptional ballistic performance of fabricated structures was explained by a significant reduction in the residual porosity of the BEPM products by their additional processing using HIP,which provides an unprecedented increase in the hardness of the layered composites.It is argued that the combination of the used two technologies,BEPM and HIP is principally complimentary for the materials in question with the abilities to solve the essential problems of each used individually.

The Effects of Interfaces on Stress Transfer in Short Fiber Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

In this paper, the effects of interface properties on the stress transfer between matrix and fiber in short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites (SFRMMCs) is studied with the method of the elasto plastic finite element. The interface properties include Young’s modulus, thickness and elasto plastic performances. In the calculation an interfacial layer with given thickness is introduced into the single fiber model. It is shown that, for a soft interface, the variation in interfacial properties influences the stress transfer greatly.

Damage analysis for particle reinforced metal matrix composite by ultrasonic method

The damage characteristic of particle reinforced metal matrix composite (PMMC) was studied by ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation method. After the sample was damaged induced by tensile load, the ultrasonic wave that propagated in the sample were collected. The damage parameter was defined by ultrasonic parameter and the wave signals were analyzed by correlation method. The results show that with the increase of tensile load, the damage parameter increases and the correlation coefficient decreases. The fracture section morphologies of PMMC under tensile load were observed by SEM. It is found that there are many concaves in the metal matrix. Therefore the damage evolution can be concluded. The initial damage is induced by void nucleation, growth and subsequent coalescence in the matrix or interface separation.

Probabilistic Modelling of Microstructural Evolution in Zr Based Bulk Metallic Glass Matrix Composites during Solidification in Additive Manufacturing

Bulk metallic glass and their composites (BMGMCs) are a new class of materials which possess superior mechanical properties as compared to existing conventional materials. Owing to this, they are potential candidates for tomorrow’s structural applications. However, they suffer from poor ductility and little or no toughness which render them brittle and they manifest catastrophic failure under applied force. Their behavior is dubious, unpredictable and requires extensive experimentation to arrive at conclusive results. In present study, an effort has been made to design bulk metallic glass matrix composites by the use of modeling and simulation. A probabilistic cellular automaton (CA) model is developed and described in present study by author which is used in conjunction with earlier developed deterministic model to predict microstructural evolution in Zr based BMGMCs in additive manufacturing liquid melt pool. It is elaborately described with an aim to arrive at quantitative relations which describe process and steps of operations. Results indicate that effect of incorporating all mass transfer and diffusion coefficients under transient conditions and precise determination of probability number play a vital role in refining the model and bringing it closer to a level that it could be compared to actual values. It is shown that proposed tailoring can account for microstructural evolution in metallic glasses.

High temperature formability of graphene nanoplatelets-AZ31 composites fabricated by stir-casting method

Outstanding mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets(GNPs)make them ideal reinforcement for mass production of composites.In this research,the composites were fabricated by stir-casting method.GNPs were added in 1.5 and 3.0 wt.%into Mg–3wt.%Al–1wt.%Zn(AZ31)magnesium alloy.As cast ingots were preheated for one hour and extruded at 350℃ with extrusion ratio of 5.2:1.As extruded AZ31-GNPs composites were micro-structurally characterized with X-ray diffraction,optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Vickers microhardness of synthesized materials was investigated both in parallel and perpendicular to extrusion directions.Room temperature mechanical testing revealed that with increasing GNP’s content,tensile fracture strain was remarkably increased without significant compromise in tensile strength.Furthermore,as extruded AZ31-3GNPs composites were subjected to tensile testing at temperatures ranging from 75℃ to 300℃ with initial strain rate of 2×10^(−3)s^(−1) to evaluate high temperature formability of composite.It was found that like CNTs,GNPs also have the potential to sustain tensile strength at high temperatures.

Corrosion Behavior of Cenosphere Reinforced Al7075 Metal Matrix Composite —An Experimental Approach

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) are considered in several technological applications owing to their enhanced mechanical properties when compared with monolithic metals. Research on the mechanical properties MMCs was done by many researchers;however in depth study on the oxidation behavior of cenosphere, reinforced MMCs are required, since the application of Aluminum-based MMCs is extensively used in applications like automobile, navigation and aviation, where the demand on light weight corrosion resistance material is very much required. In the present work varied compositions of Al7075 grade Aluminum-cenosphere composites use liquid metallurgy route adopting stir casting approach. The experimental study was aimed at experimental investigations of developed composites under different corrosive environments. The corrosion tests were carried out as per ASTM standards. Salt spray test using NaCl was carried out as per ASTM B117 and immersion tests using NaCl and NaOH as corrodents were carried out by following ASTM G31 standards. The results obtained from the tests revealed that as increase in weight % of reinforcement, corrosion resistance increases up to 7.5% reinforcement, and further the corrosion resistance decreases marginally. Solution heat treated samples exhibited higher resistance to oxidation than cast samples in all corrosive environments. The SEM images show the presence of micro cracks and occurrence of pitting corrosion on the corrosion tested specimens.

Microstructure and wear characteristics of ATZ ceramic particle reinforced gray iron matrix surface composites

The alumina toughened zirconia(ATZ) ceramic particle reinforced gray iron matrix surface composite was successfully manufactured by pressureless infi ltration. The porous preform played a key role in the infi ltrating progress. The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM); the phase constitutions was analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD); and the hardness and wear resistance of selected specimens were tested by hardness testing machine and abrasion testing machine, respectively. The addition of high carbon ferrochromium powders leads to the formation of white iron during solidifi cation. The wear volume loss rates of ATZ ceramic particle reinforced gray iron matrix surface composite decreases fi rst, and then tends to be stable. The wear resistance of the composite is 2.7 times higher than that of gray iron matrix. The reason is a combination of the surface hardness increase of gray iron matrix and ATZ ceramic particles and alloy carbides protecting effect on gray iron matrix.

Identification of Optimum Composition and Mechanical Properties of Al-Ni Metal Matrix Composite

Composites are materials that are made up of two or more chemically dissimilar phases. In this project aluminum was chosen as matrix material because it was inexpensive, light-weight, strong, tough and corrosion resistant. For the main load bearing phase it was hard, corrosion resistant at room temperature and thermally stable. The stir casting method was used because it was cost-effective and easy, and the particulate reinforcement (nickel) was uniformly distributed throughout the matrix phase. Sand moulding was used to cast the specimens. Specimens with 10, 20, 30 and 40 percentage Nickel were tested and the optimal specimen contained 20% Nickel. The Brinell hardness of Al + 20% Ni increased by 14.80%, Rockwell hardness increased by 2.43%, ultimate tensile strength increased by 1.003% and thermal conductivity of Al + 20% Ni decreased by 24.98% with respect to Aluminum.

Simulation of local effect of reinforcement on temperature field during solidification of aluminum metal matrix composite

The effect of reinforcement on the solidification of pure metal matrix composites (MMCs) was simulated using a two-dimensional solidification temperature field model by the finite element method. The concept of the character length was proposed to describe the size of reinforcement local heat influential zone in MMCs solidification according to the change of the morphologies of solid-liquid interface. The relationship between the character length and the geometrical conditions, the boundary condition and physical properties of the reinforcement were studied, respectively. The results show that the width of the unit and the cold boundary temperature have no effect on the character lengths but have effect on the distance between cold boundary and reinforcement (l) and the thermal parameters of the reinforcement. An experimental rule to predict the value of the character length was derived and applied.

Improved mechanical proprieties of“magnesium based composites”with titaniume-aluminum hybrids

In this study,the effect of micron-sized titanium and aluminum addition on the microstructural,mechanical and work-hardening behavior of pure Mg is investigated.Pure Mg reinforced with 10%Ti and 10%Ti-1%Al particulates were synthesized through semi-powder metallurgy route followed by hot extrusion.Semi-powder metallurgy appears to be promising approach for the synthesis of Mg based composite,as it is free of ball milling.Tensile results indicate that the direct addition of micron-sized 10wt.%titanium particulates to pure Mg,caused an improvement in elastic modulus,0.2%yield strength,ultimate tensile strength,and failure strain(+72%;+41%;+29%;and+79%respectively).The addition of micron-sized 10wt.%titanium particles along with 1.0wt.%Al particles to pure Mg,resulted in an enhancement in elastic modulus,0.2%yield strength,ultimate tensile strength,and failure strain(+74%;+56%;+45%;and+241%respectively).Besides tensile test,Vickers hardness and work-hardening behavior of prepared composites were also examined.Impressive failure strain of Mg-10Ti-1Al composite can be attributed to the better compatibility of Ti particulates with Mg due to presence of alloying element Al.