Modelling and evaluation of Young's Modulus of metal matrix composites using ultrasonic techniques

Abstract

The advantage of metal matrix composites lies in the fact that the possibility of taking specific properties of the constituent materials to meet specific demands. Metal matrix composites are a class of tailor-made materials with the capability to suit such diverse combinations of properties such as high modulus, strength, and hardness, wear resistance and low thermal expansion coefficients. Particulate Metal Matrix Composites (PMMCs) are promising because of their homogeneous and isotropic material properties [1] , low cost and ability to be formed using conventional metal processing techniques. These materials have emerged as potential candidates for a variety of structural applications in aeronautical, transportation and sports industries. Hence, mechanical property evaluation including Young's Modulus becomes a vital part for the qualification of the product. To evaluate the elastic properties of metal matrix composites, many non-destructive methods are being reported by many researchers. In this paper, the authors have derived a mathematical modelling for the prediction of Young's Modulus involving ultrasonic techniques. The validity of the evolved equation is experimentally verified and compared with existing models like Mura's Estimation, the Hashin and Shtrikman (HS) Equation [2-3] and using the ANSYS software approach. It is seen that the prediction according to the proposed equation is well in agreement with existing standard models. Hence, by the proposed method, it is possible to find out the Young's Modulus of the MMC products which otherwise requires a test specimen for destructive testing (mechanical testing).