Numerical Simulation of Pressure Infiltration Process for Making Metal Matrix Composites: Effect of Processing Parameters

摘要

A three-dimensional finite difference model is developed for simulating the pressure infiltration process (PIP) for making metal matrix composites (MMCs) where liquid metal is injected under pressure into a mold packed with reinforcing fibers. The infiltration of liquid (pure) metal into the fibrous preform under a constant applied pressure is modeled using the Darcy's law after assuming fully saturated flow behind the liquid-metal front. The concomitant solidification and heat transfer processes are modeled using a suitable energy equation. The simulation allows one to study the effect of process parameters on the PIP infiltration process through evolution of flow-front during filling, solidification pattern, and pressure and temperature distributions. In this study, the effects of the inlet (applied) pressure and the gate size on the infiltration process are studied. The simulation results for such metal infiltration into porous preforms can be used to optimize the PIP and other related manufacturing processes (such as squeeze casting) for making MMCs.