Light Weight and High Modulus Aluminum Matrix Composite and its Application into Aerospace

Abstract

Compared to the conventional constructive materials, SiC particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites have lighter weight and higher specific modulus, and are applied in the structure framework of solar battery array for space station. According to the requests of the material properties for this framework, aluminum matrix composites are specially designed and manufactured, and then deformed into components of different shapes and sizes for various uses. The composite components were of compact structure and excellent mechanical properties, and had passed all the application tests for the framework. The application of aluminum matrix composites achieves a good result that not only the framework weight was greatly reduced but also the comprehensive properties of the framework were improved greatly. Aluminum matrix composites exhibit a great potential for further application into aerospace.