In a high heat flux ablative environment,the surface temperature of aircraft rises rapidly,leading to traditional high thermal conductivity materials being ineffective at protecting internal metal components.In this s...In a high heat flux ablative environment,the surface temperature of aircraft rises rapidly,leading to traditional high thermal conductivity materials being ineffective at protecting internal metal components.In this study,continuous carbon fiber reinforced Li_(2)O-Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)(C_(f)/LAS)glass ceramic composites doped with SiC particles(SiC_(p))were prepared by slurry immersion winding and hot pressing sintering.Effect of matrix crystallinity on ablative properties of the composites under ultra-high heat flux was investigated.By utilizing heat absorption and low thermal conductivity characteristics associated with SiO_(2)gasification within composite materials,both surface and internal temperatures of these materials are effectively reduced,thereby ensuring the safe operation of aircraft and electronic devices.Results indicate that the average linear ablation rate of composites doped with 10%(in mass)of SiC_(p)significantly decreases at a heat flux of 20 MW/m^(2).Transmission electron microscope observation reveals that the doped glass matrix exhibits increased crystallinity,reduced internal stress,and minimized lattice distortion,thereby enhancing the composites’high-temperature performance.However,excessive SiC_(p)doping leads to reduced crystallinity and deteriorated ablation performance.Ultimately,the average linear ablation rate of C_(f)/LAS composites with 10%(in mass)SiC_(p)at 20 MW/m^(2)heat flux is comparable to that of commercial carbon/carbon composites,accompanied by providing lower thermal conductivity and higher bending strength.This novel high-performance C_(f)/LAS composite is cost-effective,short-cycled,and suitable for mass production,offering promising potential for widespread application in ablation-resistant components of hypersonic vehicles.展开更多
Filler materials of(ZrB_2-SiC-B_4C-YAG) composite were developed for gas tungsten arc welding(GTAW) of the ZrB_2-SiC and Cf-SiC based composites to themselves and to each other. Reaction with filler material,porosity ...Filler materials of(ZrB_2-SiC-B_4C-YAG) composite were developed for gas tungsten arc welding(GTAW) of the ZrB_2-SiC and Cf-SiC based composites to themselves and to each other. Reaction with filler material,porosity and cracks were not observed at weld interfaces of all the joints. Penetration of filler material in to voids and pores existing in the Cf-SiC composites was observed. Average shear strength of 25.7 MPa was achieved for joints of Cf-SiC composites. By incorporation of Cf-SiC(CVD) ground short fibre reinforcement the(ZrB_2-SiC-B_4C-YAG) composite was machinable with tungsten carbide tool. The joint and machined composites were resistance to oxidation and thermal shock when exposed to the oxy-propane flame at 2300℃ for 300s. The combination of(ZrB_2-SiC-B_4C-YAG) and Cf-SiC based composites can be used for making parts like thermal protection system or nozzles for high temperature applications.展开更多
In this paper, turning experiments of machining particle reinforced metal matri x composites(PRMMCs) SiC p/Al with PCD tools have been carried out. The cutting force characteristics in ultrasonic vibration turning com...In this paper, turning experiments of machining particle reinforced metal matri x composites(PRMMCs) SiC p/Al with PCD tools have been carried out. The cutting force characteristics in ultrasonic vibration turning compared with that in com mon turning were studied. Through the single factor experiments and multiple fac tor orthogonal experiments, the influences of three kinds of cutting conditions such as cutting velocity, amount of feed and cutting depth on cutting force were analyzed in detail. Meanwhile, according to the experimental data, the empirica l formula of main cutting force in ultrasonic vibration turning was conclude d. According to the test results, the cutting force is direct proportion to cutt ing depth basically according to the relation between cutting force and other fa ctors, which is similar to that of common cutting, so is the feed rate, but the influence is not so big. The influence of cutting speed is larger than that of f eed rate on cutting force because the efficient cutting time increases in vibrat ion cycle with the increase of cutting speed, which causes cutting force to incr ease. The research results indicate: (1) Ultrasonic vibration turning possesses much lower main cutting force than that in common turning when adopting smaller cutting parameters. If using larger cutting parameters, the difference will inco nspicuous. (2) There are remarkable differences of cutting force-cutting veloci ty characteristics in ultrasonic vibration turning from that in common turning m ainly because built-up edge does not emerge in ultrasonic turning unlike common turning in corresponding velocity range. (3) In ultrasonic vibration cutting, t he influence of cutting velocity on cutting force is most obvious among thre e cutting parameters and the influence of feed is smallest. So adopting lower cu tting velocity and larger cutting depth not only can reduce cutting force effect ively but also can ensure cutting efficiency. (4) The conclusions are useful in precision and super precision manufacturing thin-wall pieces.展开更多
To protect carbon/carbon (C/C) composites from oxidation, a SiC coating modified with SiO2 was prepared by a complex technology. The inner SiC coating with thickness varying from 150 to 300 μm was initially coated by...To protect carbon/carbon (C/C) composites from oxidation, a SiC coating modified with SiO2 was prepared by a complex technology. The inner SiC coating with thickness varying from 150 to 300 μm was initially coated by chemical vapor reaction (CVR): a simple and cheap technique to prepare the SiC coating via siliconizing the substrate that was exposed to the mixed vapor (Si and SiO2) at high temperatures (1 923?2 273 K). Then the as-prepared coating was processed by a dipping and drying procedure with tetraethoxysilane as source materials to form SiO2 to fill the cracks and holes. Oxidation tests show that, after oxidation in air at 1 623 K for 10 h and thermal cycling between 1 623 K and room temperature 5 times, the mass loss of the CVR coated sample is up to 18.21%, while the sample coated with modified coating is only 5.96%, exhibiting an obvious improvement of oxidation and thermal shock resistance of the coating. The mass loss of the modified sample is mainly contributed to the reaction of C/C substrate with oxygen diffusing through the penetrating cracks formed in thermal shock tests.展开更多
Two-dimensional plain-weave silicon carbide fiber fabric reinforced silicon carbide(2D-SiC/SiC)composites were molded by stacking method and densified through precursor infiltration and pyrolysis(PIP)process.SiC coati...Two-dimensional plain-weave silicon carbide fiber fabric reinforced silicon carbide(2D-SiC/SiC)composites were molded by stacking method and densified through precursor infiltration and pyrolysis(PIP)process.SiC coating was deposited as the fiber/matrix interphase layer by chemical vapor deposition(CVD)technique.Fiber/matrix debonding and relatively long fiber pullouts were observed on the fracture surfaces.Additionally,the flexural strength and elastic modulus of the composites with and without fiber/matrix interphase layer were investigated using three-point bending test and single-edge notched beam test.The results show that the fiber fraction and the porosity of 2D-SiC/SiC composites with and without coating are 27.2%(volume fraction)and 11.1%,and 40.7%(volume fraction)and 7.5%,respectively.And the flexural strength and elastic modulus of 2D-SiC/SiC composites with and without coating are 363.3 MPa and 127.8 GPa,and 180.2 MPa and 97.2 GPa,respectively.With a proper thickness,the coating can effectively adjust the fiber/matrix interface,thus causing a dramatic increase in the mechanical properties of the composites.展开更多
SiC foam ceramic reinforced aluminum matrix composites(SFCAMCs)were prepared by squeeze casting aluminum alloy(Al-23Si)into the SiC foam ceramic with different pore sizes,and the corrosion behavior of the SFCAMCs was ...SiC foam ceramic reinforced aluminum matrix composites(SFCAMCs)were prepared by squeeze casting aluminum alloy(Al-23Si)into the SiC foam ceramic with different pore sizes,and the corrosion behavior of the SFCAMCs was studied in NaCl solutions.Static immersion corrosion tests were conducted at 20°C,50°C and 80°C,respectively.Corrosion morphology and products were analyzed by scanning electron microscope,energy dispersive system and X-ray diffraction.It was found that the corrosion rate of SFCAMCs increases as the temperature rising,and the bigger pore size of SiC foam ceramic reinforcement,the better corrosion resistance of SFCAMCs.展开更多
The difficulty in fabricating the large size or complex shape limits the application of ZrB2-SiC composites. Joining them by fusion welding without or with preheating, controlled cooling under protective gas shield le...The difficulty in fabricating the large size or complex shape limits the application of ZrB2-SiC composites. Joining them by fusion welding without or with preheating, controlled cooling under protective gas shield leads to thermal shock failure or porosity at the weld interface. In the present work, a filler material of(ZrB2-SiC-B4C-YAG) composite with oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance was produced in the form of welding wire. Using the filler, gas tungsten arc welding(GTAW) was performed without employing preheating, post controlled cooling and extraneous protective gas shield to join hot pressed ZrB2-SiC(ZS), and pressureless sintered ZrB2-SiC-B4C-YAG(ZSBY) composites to themselves. The fusion welding resulted in cracking and non-uniform joining without any filler material. The weld interfaces of the composites were very clean and coherent. The Vickers micro-hardness across the weld interface was found to increase due to the increase in the volume % of both SiC and B4C in the filler material. The shear strength of the weld was about 50% of the flextural strength of the parent composite.展开更多
The cutting performance of particulate reinforced me tallic matrix composites(PRMMCs) SiC p/Al in ultrasonic vibration cutting and c ommon cutting with carbide tools and PCD tools was researched in the paper. Mic rost...The cutting performance of particulate reinforced me tallic matrix composites(PRMMCs) SiC p/Al in ultrasonic vibration cutting and c ommon cutting with carbide tools and PCD tools was researched in the paper. Mic rostructure of machined surface was described, the relation between cutting para meters and surface roughness was presented, and characteristic of the surface re mained stress was also presented. Furthermore, wear regularity and abrasion resi stance ability of tools in ultrasonic vibration cutting and common cutting o f PRMMCs were discussed in detail. The test results show: (1) The surface config urations are obviously different when using different tools to machine such PRMM Cs. The surface machined with carbide tools looks luminous and orderly and there are seldom surface defects on it. The reason is that the soft basal body is apt to flow during cutting, therefore a layer of Al matrix film covers machined sur face. On the contrary, the surface machined with PCD tools looks lackluster. But the profile of machined surface is very clear. Superfine grooves, pits and blac k reinforce particulates can be seen easily without obvious Al film. (2) Because of unstable cutting process in common cutting, the surface is easy to produce s ome defects such as burrs, built-up edges and so on so that the quality of surf ace becomes very poor. Vibration cutting can reduce the influence of tearing, pl astic deformation and built-up edge in cutting and can restrain flutter so as t o make cutting process more stable. Therefore, surface roughness of vibration cu tting is better than that of common cutting. (3) There is an optimum value of fe ed rate in vibration cutting of PRMMCs due to the influence of material characte ristics. Whether feed rate is more than or less than this optimum value, surface roughness will increase. (4) According to analyzing the wear rate of tools in v ibration cutting PRMMCs, it can be concluded that abrasion resistance of tools w ill be improved remarkably when vibration cutting composites have a lower pe rcentage of reinforce particulate. If the percentage of reinforce particulate is higher, the influence on abrasion resistance of carbide tool in vibration cut ting will not be obvious. The research result indicates that vibration cutting effect has a close relation with material characteristics.展开更多
Aluminum based metal matrix composites are offering o utstanding properties in a number of automotive and aircraft components and body structures. The major advantages of these composite materials are their high st re...Aluminum based metal matrix composites are offering o utstanding properties in a number of automotive and aircraft components and body structures. The major advantages of these composite materials are their high st rength to weight ratio, high stiffness, high hardness, wear resistance, low coef ficient of thermal expansion, superior dimensional stability and versatility to designer. In addition to these their isotropic properties, good forming characte ristics, easy availability of cheaper reinforcements along with the availability of comparatively low cost, high volume production methods have made them a prom ising material for future growth. Weight reduction is a major goal of automotive innovations. Lighter vehicles/ ai rcraft means less fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and improved performance. Components made from highly loaded aluminium matrix composites are attractive r elative to iron based materials because of their low density, high stiffness (eq uivalent to nodular iron) and better heat transfer characteristics. The basic co st of materials is higher with these advanced composites; however, manufacturing the part to near net shape may offset basic material costs. A good aluminium based material design can improves safety. The aluminium-based composites can give cars better acceleration and braking, improved handling, ex cellent durability, and ease of repair. Tha aluminum-based composite performs a s well or better in crash than conventional steel-structured cars because of th eir larger volume, which can absorb more crash energy. Another excellent advanta ge of Al-SiC p composite in auto design is better stability and response, and reduced noise, vibration/harshness (NHV). These advantages stem from reduced veh icle weight combined with high structural stiffness and also lead to improved st ability and turning response. In the present work Al-SiC p composite plates of 10 to 12 mm thickness w ere cast using sand casting as well as die casting process. The plates were furt her machined to 3 to 4 mm thicknesses. The machined plates were subjected to col d as well hot rolling. The cold rolling of Al-3 wt.% SiC composite plates was done on 2 high experimental cold rolling mill at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., R esearch and Development centre, Faridabad. For hot rolling, the Al-5 weight % SiC p composite plates were heat treated at 500 ℃ temperature and Al-15 weight % SiC p composite plates were heat treate d at 550 ℃ temperature for 20 minutes. The plates were hot rolled on 2 high ro lling mill of one ton capacity at IIT Delhi. The maximum percentage reduction ob tained after hot rolling of Al-5 weight % SiC p composite and Al- 15 weight % SiC p composite plates for 10 passes was 11 % and 6 % respectively. During col d rolling of Al-SiC p composites cracks (particle fracture) were observed due to the low ductility of Al-SiC p composties at room temperature. The various m echanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness and wear resistance were measured for the rolled and un-rolled Al-SiC p composite plates. The tensile strength of un-rolled and rolled Al-5wt.% SiC p composites are shown in Tab. 1. Table shows that the tensile strength decreases after rolling. This may be du e to the damage of the bonding between aluminum and silicon carbide particulates . The Rockwell hardness values of Al-5 wt.% SiC p composites measured before a nd after hot rolling are shown in Tab.2. The hardness was found to decrease afte r hot rolling, which may be due to the annealing of composites during heating. T he Rockwell hardness values of Al-3 wt.% SiC p composites before and after cold rolling are shown in Tab.3. The Table shows that the Rockwell hardness of Al-SiC p compostes increases after cold rolling due to the workhardening effec t. The wear resistance of rolled and un-rolled Al-SiC p composites were teste d on reciprocating ball on flat wear testing machine. The wear resistance of Al -SiC p composites decreases after hot rolling due to decrease in hardness展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(U23A6014,52103357)。
文摘In a high heat flux ablative environment,the surface temperature of aircraft rises rapidly,leading to traditional high thermal conductivity materials being ineffective at protecting internal metal components.In this study,continuous carbon fiber reinforced Li_(2)O-Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)(C_(f)/LAS)glass ceramic composites doped with SiC particles(SiC_(p))were prepared by slurry immersion winding and hot pressing sintering.Effect of matrix crystallinity on ablative properties of the composites under ultra-high heat flux was investigated.By utilizing heat absorption and low thermal conductivity characteristics associated with SiO_(2)gasification within composite materials,both surface and internal temperatures of these materials are effectively reduced,thereby ensuring the safe operation of aircraft and electronic devices.Results indicate that the average linear ablation rate of composites doped with 10%(in mass)of SiC_(p)significantly decreases at a heat flux of 20 MW/m^(2).Transmission electron microscope observation reveals that the doped glass matrix exhibits increased crystallinity,reduced internal stress,and minimized lattice distortion,thereby enhancing the composites’high-temperature performance.However,excessive SiC_(p)doping leads to reduced crystallinity and deteriorated ablation performance.Ultimately,the average linear ablation rate of C_(f)/LAS composites with 10%(in mass)SiC_(p)at 20 MW/m^(2)heat flux is comparable to that of commercial carbon/carbon composites,accompanied by providing lower thermal conductivity and higher bending strength.This novel high-performance C_(f)/LAS composite is cost-effective,short-cycled,and suitable for mass production,offering promising potential for widespread application in ablation-resistant components of hypersonic vehicles.
基金financial support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, New Delhi in order to carry out the present study under project DMR-295
文摘Filler materials of(ZrB_2-SiC-B_4C-YAG) composite were developed for gas tungsten arc welding(GTAW) of the ZrB_2-SiC and Cf-SiC based composites to themselves and to each other. Reaction with filler material,porosity and cracks were not observed at weld interfaces of all the joints. Penetration of filler material in to voids and pores existing in the Cf-SiC composites was observed. Average shear strength of 25.7 MPa was achieved for joints of Cf-SiC composites. By incorporation of Cf-SiC(CVD) ground short fibre reinforcement the(ZrB_2-SiC-B_4C-YAG) composite was machinable with tungsten carbide tool. The joint and machined composites were resistance to oxidation and thermal shock when exposed to the oxy-propane flame at 2300℃ for 300s. The combination of(ZrB_2-SiC-B_4C-YAG) and Cf-SiC based composites can be used for making parts like thermal protection system or nozzles for high temperature applications.
文摘In this paper, turning experiments of machining particle reinforced metal matri x composites(PRMMCs) SiC p/Al with PCD tools have been carried out. The cutting force characteristics in ultrasonic vibration turning compared with that in com mon turning were studied. Through the single factor experiments and multiple fac tor orthogonal experiments, the influences of three kinds of cutting conditions such as cutting velocity, amount of feed and cutting depth on cutting force were analyzed in detail. Meanwhile, according to the experimental data, the empirica l formula of main cutting force in ultrasonic vibration turning was conclude d. According to the test results, the cutting force is direct proportion to cutt ing depth basically according to the relation between cutting force and other fa ctors, which is similar to that of common cutting, so is the feed rate, but the influence is not so big. The influence of cutting speed is larger than that of f eed rate on cutting force because the efficient cutting time increases in vibrat ion cycle with the increase of cutting speed, which causes cutting force to incr ease. The research results indicate: (1) Ultrasonic vibration turning possesses much lower main cutting force than that in common turning when adopting smaller cutting parameters. If using larger cutting parameters, the difference will inco nspicuous. (2) There are remarkable differences of cutting force-cutting veloci ty characteristics in ultrasonic vibration turning from that in common turning m ainly because built-up edge does not emerge in ultrasonic turning unlike common turning in corresponding velocity range. (3) In ultrasonic vibration cutting, t he influence of cutting velocity on cutting force is most obvious among thre e cutting parameters and the influence of feed is smallest. So adopting lower cu tting velocity and larger cutting depth not only can reduce cutting force effect ively but also can ensure cutting efficiency. (4) The conclusions are useful in precision and super precision manufacturing thin-wall pieces.
基金Project(2006CB600901) supported by the National Basic Research Program of ChinaProject(50802115) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘To protect carbon/carbon (C/C) composites from oxidation, a SiC coating modified with SiO2 was prepared by a complex technology. The inner SiC coating with thickness varying from 150 to 300 μm was initially coated by chemical vapor reaction (CVR): a simple and cheap technique to prepare the SiC coating via siliconizing the substrate that was exposed to the mixed vapor (Si and SiO2) at high temperatures (1 923?2 273 K). Then the as-prepared coating was processed by a dipping and drying procedure with tetraethoxysilane as source materials to form SiO2 to fill the cracks and holes. Oxidation tests show that, after oxidation in air at 1 623 K for 10 h and thermal cycling between 1 623 K and room temperature 5 times, the mass loss of the CVR coated sample is up to 18.21%, while the sample coated with modified coating is only 5.96%, exhibiting an obvious improvement of oxidation and thermal shock resistance of the coating. The mass loss of the modified sample is mainly contributed to the reaction of C/C substrate with oxygen diffusing through the penetrating cracks formed in thermal shock tests.
基金Project(NCET-07-0228)support by the New Century Excellent Talents in University
文摘Two-dimensional plain-weave silicon carbide fiber fabric reinforced silicon carbide(2D-SiC/SiC)composites were molded by stacking method and densified through precursor infiltration and pyrolysis(PIP)process.SiC coating was deposited as the fiber/matrix interphase layer by chemical vapor deposition(CVD)technique.Fiber/matrix debonding and relatively long fiber pullouts were observed on the fracture surfaces.Additionally,the flexural strength and elastic modulus of the composites with and without fiber/matrix interphase layer were investigated using three-point bending test and single-edge notched beam test.The results show that the fiber fraction and the porosity of 2D-SiC/SiC composites with and without coating are 27.2%(volume fraction)and 11.1%,and 40.7%(volume fraction)and 7.5%,respectively.And the flexural strength and elastic modulus of 2D-SiC/SiC composites with and without coating are 363.3 MPa and 127.8 GPa,and 180.2 MPa and 97.2 GPa,respectively.With a proper thickness,the coating can effectively adjust the fiber/matrix interface,thus causing a dramatic increase in the mechanical properties of the composites.
基金Project(00008713)supported by the Program of the Science and Technology Creative Team of Universities in Jiangxi,ChinaProject(2013-KLP-04)supported by the Open Foundation of Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Copper and Tungsten Materials,China
文摘SiC foam ceramic reinforced aluminum matrix composites(SFCAMCs)were prepared by squeeze casting aluminum alloy(Al-23Si)into the SiC foam ceramic with different pore sizes,and the corrosion behavior of the SFCAMCs was studied in NaCl solutions.Static immersion corrosion tests were conducted at 20°C,50°C and 80°C,respectively.Corrosion morphology and products were analyzed by scanning electron microscope,energy dispersive system and X-ray diffraction.It was found that the corrosion rate of SFCAMCs increases as the temperature rising,and the bigger pore size of SiC foam ceramic reinforcement,the better corrosion resistance of SFCAMCs.
基金the financial support from the Defence Research and Development Organization,Ministry of Defence,Govt.of India,New Delhi in order to carry out the present study
文摘The difficulty in fabricating the large size or complex shape limits the application of ZrB2-SiC composites. Joining them by fusion welding without or with preheating, controlled cooling under protective gas shield leads to thermal shock failure or porosity at the weld interface. In the present work, a filler material of(ZrB2-SiC-B4C-YAG) composite with oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance was produced in the form of welding wire. Using the filler, gas tungsten arc welding(GTAW) was performed without employing preheating, post controlled cooling and extraneous protective gas shield to join hot pressed ZrB2-SiC(ZS), and pressureless sintered ZrB2-SiC-B4C-YAG(ZSBY) composites to themselves. The fusion welding resulted in cracking and non-uniform joining without any filler material. The weld interfaces of the composites were very clean and coherent. The Vickers micro-hardness across the weld interface was found to increase due to the increase in the volume % of both SiC and B4C in the filler material. The shear strength of the weld was about 50% of the flextural strength of the parent composite.
文摘The cutting performance of particulate reinforced me tallic matrix composites(PRMMCs) SiC p/Al in ultrasonic vibration cutting and c ommon cutting with carbide tools and PCD tools was researched in the paper. Mic rostructure of machined surface was described, the relation between cutting para meters and surface roughness was presented, and characteristic of the surface re mained stress was also presented. Furthermore, wear regularity and abrasion resi stance ability of tools in ultrasonic vibration cutting and common cutting o f PRMMCs were discussed in detail. The test results show: (1) The surface config urations are obviously different when using different tools to machine such PRMM Cs. The surface machined with carbide tools looks luminous and orderly and there are seldom surface defects on it. The reason is that the soft basal body is apt to flow during cutting, therefore a layer of Al matrix film covers machined sur face. On the contrary, the surface machined with PCD tools looks lackluster. But the profile of machined surface is very clear. Superfine grooves, pits and blac k reinforce particulates can be seen easily without obvious Al film. (2) Because of unstable cutting process in common cutting, the surface is easy to produce s ome defects such as burrs, built-up edges and so on so that the quality of surf ace becomes very poor. Vibration cutting can reduce the influence of tearing, pl astic deformation and built-up edge in cutting and can restrain flutter so as t o make cutting process more stable. Therefore, surface roughness of vibration cu tting is better than that of common cutting. (3) There is an optimum value of fe ed rate in vibration cutting of PRMMCs due to the influence of material characte ristics. Whether feed rate is more than or less than this optimum value, surface roughness will increase. (4) According to analyzing the wear rate of tools in v ibration cutting PRMMCs, it can be concluded that abrasion resistance of tools w ill be improved remarkably when vibration cutting composites have a lower pe rcentage of reinforce particulate. If the percentage of reinforce particulate is higher, the influence on abrasion resistance of carbide tool in vibration cut ting will not be obvious. The research result indicates that vibration cutting effect has a close relation with material characteristics.
文摘Aluminum based metal matrix composites are offering o utstanding properties in a number of automotive and aircraft components and body structures. The major advantages of these composite materials are their high st rength to weight ratio, high stiffness, high hardness, wear resistance, low coef ficient of thermal expansion, superior dimensional stability and versatility to designer. In addition to these their isotropic properties, good forming characte ristics, easy availability of cheaper reinforcements along with the availability of comparatively low cost, high volume production methods have made them a prom ising material for future growth. Weight reduction is a major goal of automotive innovations. Lighter vehicles/ ai rcraft means less fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and improved performance. Components made from highly loaded aluminium matrix composites are attractive r elative to iron based materials because of their low density, high stiffness (eq uivalent to nodular iron) and better heat transfer characteristics. The basic co st of materials is higher with these advanced composites; however, manufacturing the part to near net shape may offset basic material costs. A good aluminium based material design can improves safety. The aluminium-based composites can give cars better acceleration and braking, improved handling, ex cellent durability, and ease of repair. Tha aluminum-based composite performs a s well or better in crash than conventional steel-structured cars because of th eir larger volume, which can absorb more crash energy. Another excellent advanta ge of Al-SiC p composite in auto design is better stability and response, and reduced noise, vibration/harshness (NHV). These advantages stem from reduced veh icle weight combined with high structural stiffness and also lead to improved st ability and turning response. In the present work Al-SiC p composite plates of 10 to 12 mm thickness w ere cast using sand casting as well as die casting process. The plates were furt her machined to 3 to 4 mm thicknesses. The machined plates were subjected to col d as well hot rolling. The cold rolling of Al-3 wt.% SiC composite plates was done on 2 high experimental cold rolling mill at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., R esearch and Development centre, Faridabad. For hot rolling, the Al-5 weight % SiC p composite plates were heat treated at 500 ℃ temperature and Al-15 weight % SiC p composite plates were heat treate d at 550 ℃ temperature for 20 minutes. The plates were hot rolled on 2 high ro lling mill of one ton capacity at IIT Delhi. The maximum percentage reduction ob tained after hot rolling of Al-5 weight % SiC p composite and Al- 15 weight % SiC p composite plates for 10 passes was 11 % and 6 % respectively. During col d rolling of Al-SiC p composites cracks (particle fracture) were observed due to the low ductility of Al-SiC p composties at room temperature. The various m echanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness and wear resistance were measured for the rolled and un-rolled Al-SiC p composite plates. The tensile strength of un-rolled and rolled Al-5wt.% SiC p composites are shown in Tab. 1. Table shows that the tensile strength decreases after rolling. This may be du e to the damage of the bonding between aluminum and silicon carbide particulates . The Rockwell hardness values of Al-5 wt.% SiC p composites measured before a nd after hot rolling are shown in Tab.2. The hardness was found to decrease afte r hot rolling, which may be due to the annealing of composites during heating. T he Rockwell hardness values of Al-3 wt.% SiC p composites before and after cold rolling are shown in Tab.3. The Table shows that the Rockwell hardness of Al-SiC p compostes increases after cold rolling due to the workhardening effec t. The wear resistance of rolled and un-rolled Al-SiC p composites were teste d on reciprocating ball on flat wear testing machine. The wear resistance of Al -SiC p composites decreases after hot rolling due to decrease in hardness
