An empirical method of calculating interfacial strength in a second phase reinforced alloy

Abstract

Innovations in MMCs are beginning to pay off with new military and commercial developments underway. Engineered solutions, capitalising on the advantages of lightweight and effective thermal performance, are proving the superiority of MMCs over traditional approaches and materials. As a technology-driven 21st century dawns, demand for better performance, productivity and/or efficiency in transportation, aerospace and industrial processes/products will increasingly require the use of these remarkable composite materials. The understanding of the interfacial strengthening mechanisms, therefore, is the key factor for optimising the properties of these remarkable new advanced materials. A method of calculation has been applied in order to predict the interfacial fracture strength of aluminium, in the presence of silicon segregation. The interface fracture toughness was determined as a function of the macroscopic experimental measurements (mechanical properties of the composite) and the microscopic modification parameters (tailoring of interface properties). The model shows success in making prediction possible of trends in relation to segregation and interfacial fracture strength behaviour in SiC particle-reinforced aluminium matrix composites. The model developed here can be used to predict possible trends in relation to segregation and the interfacial fracture strength behaviour in metal matrix composites. The results obtained from this work conclude that the role of precipitation and segregation on the mechanical properties of Al/SiC composites is crucial, affecting overall mechanical behaviour.