Thermal Management of Reinforcements for Novel Microstructures and Interfaces in Cast Metal Matrix Composites

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In this research, new microstructures and interfaces will be created in selected aluminum matrix composites by extracting heat through reinforcing fibers. Heat transfer and fluid flow analysis will be done to design experiments on extracting heat through reinforcing fibers during solidification of an already infiltrated composite. Experiments will be done with carbon fibers in aluminum- 4.5% Copper alloy. A tow of carbon fibers will be infiltrated, with a portion of the tow extending out of the casting. The aluminum carbon composite sample will be placed in a crucible, with the tow of fibers extending out of the melt, remelted and resolidified with the portion of the tow extending out of the composite, acting as a source of heat extraction. Metallographic examination of the composites will be done after resolidification to determine the nature of the interface, thickness of the primary phase layer, grain size, and dendrite size as a function of the processing parameters. The experimental observations will be used to validate and modify the theoretical work onextraction of heat through reinforcing fibers. The experimental results obtained in this study will include characterization of new type interfaces and matrix microstructures formed in the composites when heat is extracted through reinforcing fibers. The knowledge base could lead the way for improved composites with novel matrix microstructures and interfaces produced by heat extraction through the fibers.