Experimental Investigation of In-homogeneity in Particle Distribution During the Processing of Metal Matrix Composites

Particle reinforced metal matrix composites are skilled to fulfill the late needs of cutting edge designing applications, because of its tunable mechanical properties. Stir casting is one of the unmistakable and affordable strategies for preparing of particle reinforced metal matrix composites. However, complete investigation and evaluation of the vortex pressure and the homogenous distribution of particles are still an obstacle for the research community. In this method, vortex pressure and flow pattern are the important factors for the dispersion of particles in the liquid metal. Effectual flow pattern and vortex pressure can be attained by optimizing stir casting parameters such as volume concentration (5%, 10%), stirrer blade angle (45o, 90o), impeller position (20%, 40%) from the base, viscosity of Al melt (1.04 mPa-s, 1.24 mPa-s) and holding time (10 minutes, 15 minutes). In this research, computational fluid dynamics has been used to find the vortex pressure, which influences the particle distribution. A new photographic technique was implemented to find out the flow pattern of the reinforcement particles and the stir casting parameters are optimized using Taguchi method. Optimized parameters have been utilized for the production of PRMMCs. In addition, micro structural image and hardness test confirm the uniform particle distribution of the reinforcement particles. From the outcome of various experimentations, 10 minutes holding time of the stirrer blade with 45o angle which was kept 40% from the base and the viscosity of the Al melt (1.04 mPa-s) with 10% volume fraction of SiC particles shows effective flow pattern and optimum vortex pressure with homogenous distribution of SiC particles.

Automated summary

Particle reinforced metal matrix composites can fulfill the needs of advanced engineering applications with tunable mechanical properties. Stir casting is a cost-effective method for preparation, but the complete investigation of vortex pressure and particle distribution remains a challenge. Optimization of parameters such as volume concentration, stirrer blade angle, impeller position, viscosity of melt, and holding time can achieve effective flow pattern and vortex pressure for homogenous particle distribution.