Some Theoretical Considerations of the Surface Tension of Liquid Metals for Metal Matrix Composites

摘要

This paper presents a model for calculating the surface tension of pure metals and their alloys. It is based upon the theory of Eyring et al which uses classical statistical physics to describe the thermodynamic properties of metals in the liquid state. Calculations show the surface tension of pure aluminum to be nearly 9 percent greater than that measured for pure aluminum having a monolayer of Aluminum Oxide (a1203), is within about 10 percent of measured values for Al-xMg and Al-xCu, where x is the weight percent of the alloying element. The model was also used to calculate the temperature coefficient. For pure aluminum the calculated values fall within experimental measurements, and exhibit a slight temperature dependence. Cast metal composite (MMC) materials reinforced with unidirectional fibers will turn out to be a low cost alternative to MMC fabrication by diffusion bonding, cold and hot compaction, and other methods. (jes)