Tensile, compressive and heat transfer analysis of ZrO2 reinforced aluminum LM6 alloy metal matrix composites

Abstract

In the present investigation, aluminum LM6 alloy is used as a matrix and it was reinforced with various weight fractions of ZrO2 Such as 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 wt%. The composite materials were cast using the stir casting method. The various stir cast samples were subjected to Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) analysis, mechanical and thermal analysis. The mechanical analysis of tensile and compressive strength was carried out for the five various weight proportions of ZrO2. The EDS analysis confirmed that the presence of aluminum and, ZrO2 particles in developed composites. Tensile and compressive strength was increased by the addition of ZrO2. In this work, mainly deals with the analysis of heat transfer for the newly developed aluminum-based composite materials when it is used as a pin fin for varying the weight percentages of ZrO2 with the aluminum particles. The Heat transfer analysis was carried out for the Aluminum LM6 matrix in addition to that varying the weight proportions of ZrO2. The efficiency and effectiveness of each fin were measured during this test. From the analysis, it was revealed that heat transfer rate was increased for the increased weight fraction of ZrO2. Similarly, the efficiency of the pin and effectiveness was increased for the increasing weight percentages of zirconium dioxide. A similar test was carried out for the same materials for varying the input voltage and current. From that test, it was identified that heat transfer is gradually increased for the increasing supply of voltage and current.