Fabrication of Al Alloy-Based Metal Matrix Composites and Use the Interpolation Approach for Mechanical Properties Estimation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mining and Petroleum Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Qena- Egypt

Abstract

Aluminum alloy-based metal matrix composites (AMMCs) are extensively utilized due to their distinctive mechanical properties. Al-6%Si alloy was reinforced with different contents of alumina (Al2O3) particles (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5 and 12% wt.) and the MMCs were prepared by stir casting at 800°C. Microstructural characterization of AMMCs was studied using optical microscopy, to emphasize the homogeneous distribution of the reinforcement particles (Al2O3) in the Al alloy matrix. Hardness and wear tests were used to study the influence of Al2O3 addition on the mechanical properties of the prepared composites. The interpolation method is applied as a perfect alternative approach for saving the consumed time during the experimental work. The used mathematical expression can be utilized for an early prediction of the mechanical properties of AMMCs at different contents of Al2O3 particles without carrying out much experimental analysis. The current study shows that the linear interpolator is the optimal one where it achieved Mean square error (MSE) equals 0.1875, and 0.0119 for hardness and wear loss tests, respectively.

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