Abstract
In this paper, a micro-mechanical model is implemented in software for the prediction of local mechanical properties of discontinuous short fiber reinforced composites. The model, based on the Mori and Tanaka method, shear-lag, computational model, Nielsen-Chen model and Miwa’s model is used to predict the elastic behaviour of basalt short fiber reinforced with Al alloy composites. The Al/basalt Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) contain basalt short fiber from 2.5% to 10% in steps of 2.5 wt.% and are fabricated using squeeze infiltration technique. The effects of fiber length and orientation on elastic properties of Al/basalt MMCs are investigated. A comparison between the experimental data and the theoretical data based on physical models is made, and the significance of the findings is discussed. The results show that as short basalt fiber content was increased from 2.5% to 10% by wt.%, an improvement in Young’s modulus of 13.26% has been observed. Optical microscopy was used to examine the general microstructure and fiber distribution in the composite produced. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed on the fractured surface to understand the failure mechanisms.
Highlights
Metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with discontinuous phases in the forms of short fibers, whiskers, and particulates exhibit considerably enhanced strength values at room temperature or at higher temperatures, low coefficient of thermal expansion, good wear resistance and stiffness compared to the corresponding unreinforced alloys [1]
The reinforcement can be of a variety of types, having undergone different surface treatments, their range of weight % are varied, they may possess different geometries
Elastic modulus has been found to be independent of the type of reinforcement
Summary
Metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with discontinuous phases in the forms of short fibers, whiskers, and particulates exhibit considerably enhanced strength values at room temperature or at higher temperatures, low coefficient of thermal expansion, good wear resistance and stiffness compared to the corresponding unreinforced alloys [1]. In the case of short fiber reinforced MMCs, random arrangements of fibers and their random orientations are observed and their mechanical properties are highly dependent on their composition, the matrix, as well as the type and weight percentage of reinforcements [4]. The complexity of such affecting parameters makes a complete theoretical description of the elastic behaviour and the failure properties of short fiber reinforced composite with metal matrix nearly impossible. Computational model developed was used to compare the elastic modulus of a short-Basalt fiber reinforced MMCs with experimental results by using a computer software
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