Effect of Particle Orientation on the Elastic Anisotropy of Al/SiCp Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are promising new materials for structural applications because of their high specific stiffness and strength, and high temperature stability. Of particular interest are the discontinuous silicon carbide (SiC) reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites. The improved mechanical properties are governed by the properties of the constituent phases, as well as the SiC particle characteristics such as shape, aspect ratio and orientation. The particle characteristics have a major effect on the anisotropic properties of these composites. The overall properties also depend on the manufacturing process of these composites since it determines the orientation of the particles and may produce internal defects such as porosity and intermetallic compounds [l]. Thus it is important to experimentally characterize the effective elastic properties and to theoretically predict them from the knowledge of the constituent properties and the microstructures