High Cycle Fatigue Life Prediction of Al6061-TiB2 In-situ Composites

AbstractFatigue characterization of metal matrix composites by experimental methods are being pursued seriously by several researchers. This is tedious and time consuming especially for complex shaped components. In recent years, finite element analysis is being exploited to predict the fatigue life of metallic components with good success. However no information is available as regards the prediction of fatigue life of metal matrix composites. Al6061-TiB2 in-Situ Composites possess high specific modulus and strength coupled with excellent wear resistance and high fatigue life as reported by several researchers. In the light of the above this paper focuses on prediction of high cycle fatigue life of Al6061 TiB2 in-situ composites by using commercial FEA software (MSC-Patran, MSC- Nastran and MSC-Fatigue). The predicted result of high cycle fatigue life of matrix alloy Al-6061 is compared with standard data available in military data handbook. The test specimen as per ASTM standard for fatigue tests was modeled and FEA mesh was created. Fatigue analysis was preceded by static analysis run. The material properties data for the insitu composites were experimentally determined