Effect of SiC particles on Young's modulus, peak frequency and porosity of 7075 Al alloy composite

Abstract

Metallic composite materials reinforced with ceramic particles or short fibres, also known as discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs), have been studied over the past few decades. There is a strong potential for these materials to replace existing metallic systems due to their enhanced mechanical properties (especially higher specific stiffness and strength). Performance of automobile and aircraft parts can be improved through either a reduction in absolute weight or an increase in strength to weight ratio. 7075 Al alloy reinforced with 10 vol. % SiC particles of size 20 to 40 μm was prepared by using stir casting process. The values of Young's modulus and peak frequency for 7075 Al alloy and 10% SiC composite were found out by using dynamic elastic property analyser. Porosity of 10% SiC composite was also calculated. Test results indicate that value of Young's modulus and peak frequency for composite increases 24.898% and 7.38% respectively on average. This is due to addition of 10% SiC particles. The porosity of composite is found to be 3.16%.