Microstructural characterization of silicon carbide reinforced dissimilar grade aluminium explosive clads

Aluminium composites are inevitable in ship building, commercial and defence aircrafts construction due to their light weight, high strength to weight ratio, admirable properties and cost affordability. In this study, the microstructural characteristics of explosive cladded dissimilar grade aluminium (Al 1100-A1 5052) clad composites reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) particles is presented. Microstructure taken at the interface by optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) revealed the formation of a silicon carbide layer between the dissimilar grade aluminium sheets. Though reaction layers were witnessed at few locations along the interface, the diffusion of atoms between the participant metals is not visible as confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy, elemental mapping, line analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The variation in microhardness at various regions of the silicon carbide reinforced dissimilar aluminium explosive clad is reported. The increase in tensile strength of the SiC laced clad is also presented.     

Effect of silicon carbide and wire-mesh reinforcements in dissimilar grade aluminium explosive clad composites

Aluminium composites are inevitable in the manufacture of aircraft structural elements owing to less weight, superior corrosion resistance and higher specific properties. These composites reduce the weight of the aircraft, improve the fuel efficiency and enhance the maintenance duration. This study proposes the development of dissimilar grade aluminium (aluminium 1100-aluminium 5052) composites with different reinforcement’s viz., stainless steel wire-mesh, silicon carbide (SiC) powders and SiC powder interspersed wire-mesh, by explosive cladding technique. Wire-mesh enhances the friction and restricts the movement of flyer plate to craft a defect free clad, while SiC particles form a band on the interface. Highest strength is obtained when SiC powder interspersed wire mesh is employed as reinforcement. The dissimilar aluminium explosive clad with SiC particle reinforcement results in lower strength, which is higher than that of the weaker parent alloy and that of the conventional dissimilar aluminium explosive clads without any reinforcement.     

Effect of tool rotational speed on the particle distribution in friction stir welding of AA6092/17.5 SiCp-T6 composite plates and its consequences on the mechanical property of the joint

This study investigates the effect of tool rotational speed (TRS) on particle distribution in nugget zone (NZ) through quantitative approach and its consequences on the mechanical property of friction stir welded joints of AA6092/17.5 SiC_p-T6 composite. 6 mm thick plates are welded at a constant tool tilt angle of 2° and tool traverse speed of 1 mm/s by varying the TRS at 1000 rpm, 1500 rpm and 2000 rpm with a taper pin profiled tool. Microstructure analysis shows large quantity of uniformly shaped smaller size SiC particle with lower average particle area which are homogeneously distributed in the NZ. The fragmentation of bigger size particles has been observed because of abrading action of the hard tool and resulting shearing effect and severe stress generation due to the rotation of tool. The particles occupy maximum area in the matrix compared to that of the base material (BM) due to the redistribution of broken particles as an effect of TRS. The migration of particles towards the TMAZ-NZ transition zone has been also encountered at higher TRS (2000 rpm). The microhardness analysis depicts variation in average hardness from top to bottom of the NZ, minimum for 1500 rpm and maximum for 2000 rpm. The impact strength at 1000 rpm and 1500 rpm remains close to that of BM (21.6 J) while 2000 rpm shows the accountable reduction. The maximum joint efficiency has been achieved at 1500 rpm (84%) and minimum at 1000 rpm (68%) under tensile loading. Fractographic analysis shows mixed mode of failure for BM, 1000 rpm and 1500 rpm, whereas 2000 rpm shows the brittle mode of failure.