Effects of particle/matrix interface and strengthening mechanisms on the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites

A randomly distributed multi-particle model considering the effects of particle/matrix interface and strengthening mechanisms introduced by the particles has been constructed. Particle shape, distribution, volume fraction and the particles/matrix interface due to the factors including element diffusion were considered in the model. The effects of strengthening mechanisms, caused by the introduction of particles on the mechanical properties of the composites, including grain refinement strengthening, dislocation strengthening and Orowan strengthening, are incorporated. In the model, the particles are assumed to have spheroidal shape, with uniform distribution of the centre, long axis length and inclination angle. The axis ratio follows a right half-normal distribution. Using Monte Carlo method, the location and shape parameters of the spheroids are randomly selected. The particle volume fraction is calculated using the area ratio of the spheroids. Then, the effects of particle/matrix interface and strengthening mechanism on the distribution of Mises stress and equivalent strain and the flow behaviour for the composites are discussed.

Artificial neural network modeling for surface roughness prediction in cylindrical grinding of Al‐SiCp metal matrix composites and ANOVA analysis

Metal matrix composites (MMC) having aluminium (Al) in the matrix phase and silicon carbide particles (SiCp) in reinforcement phase, ie Al‐SiCp type MMC, have gained popularity in the re‐cent past. In this competitive age, manufacturing industries strive to produce superior quality products at reasonable price. This is possible by achieving higher productivity while performing machining at optimum combinations of process variables. The low weight and high strength MMC are found suitable for variety of components

Equal channel angular pressing of metal matrix composites: effect on particle distribution and fracture toughness

An Al6061-20%Al₂O₃ powder metallurgy (PM) metal matrix composite (MMC) with a strongly clustered particle distribution is subjected to equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at a temperature of 370 °C. The evolution of the homogeneity of the particle distribution in the material during ECAP is investigated by the quadrat method. The model proposed by Tan and Zhang [Mater Sci Eng 1998;244:80] for estimating the critical particle size which is required for a homogeneous particle distribution in PM MMCs is extended to the case of a combination of extrusion and ECAP. The applicability of the model to predict a homogeneity of the particle distribution after extrusion and ECAP is discussed. It is shown that ECAP leads to an increase of the  uniformity of the particle distribution and the fracture toughness.