Effect of Cast Geometries on Particle Dispersion in Metal Matrix Composites

摘要

Metal composite materials are not being extensively used because of their complex processing, agglomeration and dispersion of particles in case of discontinuous reinforcement. Significant amount of research work has been carried to understand and improve primary processing of metal composites using liquid processing route. Most of the research revealed the fact that composites were cast either in plate geometry or geometry of crucible. Present work mainly focuses to examine effect of mold cavity geometries on dispersion of particles in solidifying composite slurries. Aluminium alloy composites using silicon carbide (SiC) particles were manufactured using stir casting technique. 'T' shape and plus shape geometries were cast in the present work. Critical velocity and solidification front velocity was analyzed to investigate effect of cast geometries on particle dispersion. Microstructural examination revealed that cast geometries have significant effect on dispersion of particles.