Modeling creep in a rotating disc with linear and quadratic composition gradients

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of imposing linear and quadratic composition gradients on the steady state creep behavior of a rotating functionally graded Al‐SiCP disc operating under a radial thermal gradient.Design/methodology/approachMathematical model to describe steady state creep behavior in rotating discs made of isotropic aluminum composite containing linear and quadratic distributions of Silicon Carbide (SiCP) in the radial direction has been formulated. The discs are assumed to operate under a radial thermal gradient originating due to braking action as estimated by FEM analysis. The steady state creep behavior of the discs under stresses developing due to rotation has been determined following Sherby's law. Based on the developed model, the distributions of stresses and strain rates have been obtained and compared for various functionally graded material (FGM) discs containing the same average amount (20 vol per cent) of dispersoid. The creep response of a composite disc with uniform SiCP content of 20 vol per cent and operating under a radial thermal gradient has also been computed for comparison with the results obtained for FGM discs.FindingsThe study reveals that the distribution of stresses and strain rates in a rotating composite disc operating under a radial thermal gradient are significantly affected by different particle distributions with in the disc. The creep stresses and steady state creep rates in a rotating FGM disc can be significantly reduced by employing more SiCP particles in the middle compared to the inner and the outer radii.Originality/valueThe study provides an understanding of the required tailoring of composition in order to control creep stresses and creep rates in a rotating FGM disc operating under a radial thermal gradient.