Experimental and numerical investigations on thermal expansion and thermal conductivity properties of Al 6061-SIC-GR hybrid metal matrix composites

Abstract

In this research paper, the determination of thermal expansivity and thermal conductivity has been accomplished for Al 6061, Silicon Carbide and Graphite hybrid metal matrix composites from room temperature to [Formula: see text]C. Aluminium-based composites reinforced with Silicon Carbide and Graphite particles have been prepared by stir casting technique. The thermal expansion and thermal conductivity properties of hybrid composites with different percentage compositions of reinforcements have been investigated. The results have indicated that the thermal expansivity and thermal conductivity of the different compositions of hybrid MMCs decrease by the addition of Graphite with Silicon Carbide and Al 6061. Few empirical models have been validated for the evaluation of thermal expansivity and thermal conductivity of hybrid composites. Using the experimental values, namely modulus of elasticity, Poisson ratio and thermal expansivity, computational investigation has been carried out to evaluate the thermal parameters, namely thermal displacement, thermal strain and thermal stress. Similarly, using the experimental values, namely density, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and enthalpy at varying temperature ranges, computational investigation has been carried out to evaluate thermal gradient and thermal flux.