Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Aluminum silicon carbide metal matrix composites'

Welding of metal matrix composites (MMCs) is an alternative to their mechanical joining, since they are difficult to machine. Published literature in fusion welding of similar composites shows metallurgical problems. This study investigates the weldability of A359/SiC/10p aluminum SiC MMC. Statistical experiments were performed to identify the significant variables and their effects on the hardness, tensile and bending strengths, ductility, and microstructure of the weld. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to predict the preheat temperature field across the weld and the weld pool temperature. Welding current, welding speed, and the preheat temperature (300-350??C) affected the weld quality significantly. It was seen that the fracture of the welded specimens was either in the base MMC or in the weld indicating a stronger interface between the weld and the base MMC. Oxides formation was controlled along the weld joint. Low heat inputs provided higher weld strengths and better weld integrity. It was found that the weld strengths were approximately 85% of the parent material strength. The weld region had higher extent of uniform mixing of base and filler metal when welded at low currents and high welding speeds. These adequate thermal conditions helped the SiC particles to stay in the central weld region. The interface reaction between the matrix and SiC particles was hindered due to controlled heat inputs and formation of harmful Al4C3 flakes was suppressed. The hardness values were found to be slightly higher in the base metal rich region. There was no significant loss in the hardness of the heat affected zone. The ductility of the weld was considerably increased to 6.0-7.0% due to the addition of Al-Si filler metal.

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical behavior and its relation with processing and microstructure of the silicon carbide particulate (SiCp) reinforced aluminum matrix composite. Aluminum 7075 alloy is chosen as matrix alloy, in which zinc is the main alloying element. Four different additions of SiCp were used and the weight fractions were 10%, 15%, 20% and 30%. Composites were processed by with squeeze casting and the applied pressure during casting was 80 MPa. The mould is specially designed to produce both specimens ready for tensile and three point bending tests. Both as-cast and heat treated aluminum composites were examined and T6 heat treatment was applied. Three point bending tests were performed to reveal the fracture strength of aluminum composites. 10wt% SiCp aluminum composites showed the maximum flexural strength in both as-cast and heat treated composites. The mechanical test results revealed that precipitated phases in heat treated composites, behaved like fine silicon carbide particulates and they acted as barriers to dislocation motion. Maximum flexural strength increased about 40 MPa (10%) in as-cast and 180 MPa (44%) in heat treated composites. Tensile testing was also conducted to verify the results of the three point bending tests. Hardness tests were done to find the effect of silicon carbide addition and to find the peak hardness in heat treatment. For as-cast specimens hardness values increased from 133 to 188 Vickers hardness (10 kg.) with increase in SiCp content from 0 to 30wt% and for heat treatment specimens hardness values increased from 171 to 221 Vickers hardness (10 kg.). The peak hardness values were obtained at 24 hours precipitation heat treatment. SEM studies were carried out to examine the heat treated composites, to take SEM photographs and to obtain a general elemental analysis. Theoretical volume percentage addition of SiCp was checked with Clemex Image Analyzer program. Distribution of SiCp was determined by mettalographic examination. Second phases that were formed during heat treatment was searched by x-ray analysis.

Discontinuously reinforced MMCs with optimized microstructure are sought after for exceptional high strain rate behavior. The microstructure evolution of a stir-cast A359 aluminum composite reinforced with 30 vol.% SiCsubscript p] after isothermal anneal, successive hot-rolling, and high strain rate deformation has been investigated. Quantitative microstructural analysis was carried out for the as-cast, annealed (470??C, 538??C and 570??C) and successively hot rolled specimens (64, 75, 88, and 96% rolling reductions). Selected composites were also examined after high strain rate deformation. X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed for microstructural characterization. The strength and ductility of the A359 Al alloys, and the composite, were greatly influenced by the brittle eutectic silicon phase and its morphology. Lamellar eutectic silicon spheroidized with isothermal anneal and successive hot rolling with a corresponding decrease in hardness. The hot rolling process also considerably decreased the SiC particle size (approximately 20% after 96% reduction) by breaking-up the hard SiC particles. However, this break-up of particles increased the homogeneity of SiCsubscript p] size distribution. Successive hot rolling also healed voids due to solidification shrinkage, incomplete infiltration of molten Al and defects originating from fractured particles. Four selected specimens of composites were examined after high strain rate deformation. Fractography and metallographic analysis for the craters, voids, and relevant regions affected by the high velocity impact were carried out. The deposition of impact residuals was frequently observed on the exposed fracture surfaces. These residuals were typically observed as "molten-and-solidified" as a consequence of excessive heat generated during and after the damage.; Particularly in regions of entry and exit of impact, intermixing of residuals and composite constituents were observed, demonstrating that the Al matrix of the composite also had melted. In all samples examined, cracks were observed to propagate through the eutectic Si network while a small number of broken reinforcement particles were observed. A slight variation in failure mechanisms was observed (e.g., radial, fragmentation, petalling) corresponding to the variation in ductility against high strain rate deformation. In selected specimens, parallel sub-cracks at the exit were observed at 45?? and 30??. These sub-cracks were again filled with intermixed constituents from projectile residuals and composites. This observation suggests that the melting of composite constituents that leads to intermixing occured after the crack propagation and other damage.
ID: 030646232; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; On t.p. "p??" is subscript.; Thesis (M.S.M.S.E.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 86-88).
M.S.M.S.E.
Masters
Materials Science Engineering
Engineering and Computer Science
Materials Science and Engineering

Particle-reinforced MMCs (pMMC) such as aluminum alloys reinforced with ceramic silicon carbide particles (AlSiC) require special cutting tools due to the high hardness and abrasive properties of the ceramic particles. Diamond coated cutting tools are ideal for machining this type of pMMC. Previous research studies focus on the machinability of pMMCs with low ceramic content. The aim of this research is to determine the optimal cutting parameters for machining AlSiC material containing high silicon carbide particle reinforcement (>25%). The optimal cutting parameters are determined by investigating the relationship between cutting forces, tool wear, burr formation, surface roughness, and material removal rate (MRR). Experimental milling tests are conducted using CVD diamond coated end mills and non-diamond tungsten carbide end mills. It was found that low tool rotation speeds, feed rates and depths of cut are necessary to achieve smoother surface finishes of R a < 1 μm. A high MRR to low tool wear and surface roughness ratio was obtainable at a tool rotation speed of 6500 r/min, feed rate of 762 mm/min and depth of cut of 3 mm. Results showed that a smooth surface roughness of the workpiece material was achieved with non-diamond tungsten carbide end mills, however, this was at the expense of extreme tool wear and high burr formation. The use of coolant caused a 50% increase in tool wear compared to the dry-cutting experiments which had lower cutting tool forces.

Aluminium composites reinforced by particles have received considerable attention because of their superior mechanical properties over monolithic aluminum matrix. Over the last ten years, nanocomposites with nano-sized reinforcements have become a revolutionary progress for composites because they have different strengthening mechanisms as compared to that in composites with micro-sized reinforcements. Consequently novel properties can be expected from the nanometric particulate reinforced composites. The aim of this project was to fabricate SiC (50nm)/7075 aluminium composites via a modified powder metallurgy and extrusion route. Ageing treatment was used to increase the strength of the composites and mechanical tests, including tensile test and abrasive wear test, were performed. The effects of nanometric silicon carbide particulates to the ageing behaviours and mechanical properties of the composites have been studied by optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the dispersion of nanometric silicon carbide was not homogeneous, but tended to disperse along grain boundaries. Clustering of these nano-reinforcements was also found within the grains. This was particular true when the amount of nano-reinforcement increased to 5%. Compared with the monolithic 7075 alloy, the 1 vol.% SiC (50nm)/7075 aluminium had a higher strength because of effective dislocation pinnings by the reinforcements, while 5% SiC (50nm)/7075 had a much lower strength and ductility because of severe aggregation of nanometric particulates. Nanometric silicon carbide was not as effective as the micro ones in improving abrasive wear resistance of aluminium, this was because of micro-cracking in the aggregation and relatively large abrasive grit. In summary, the addition of a small amount of SiC nanoreinforcements has a high potential to further strengthen 7xxx aluminium alloy. However, the clustering of reinforcements in the matrix will detrimentally affect the strength and ductility of the alloy. The wear resistance of nanometric particulate reinforced composites was inferior to those with micrometric reinforcements. It is suggested that by improving the dispersion of nanometric reinforcements, as well as putting in reinforcememts with different sizes, the mechanical properties and wear resistance can both be increased.

Silicon carbide (SiC) monofilaments are high strength, continuous ceramic fibres produced through chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and used to reinforce metal matrix composites. Such composites have excellent mechanical properties. However, they are expensive to manufacture and the monofilaments must be highly reproducible to ensure reliability of the resulting composite. TISICS Ltd are the sole producers of the material outside of the United States of America and have recently developed two new monofilaments, SM3256 (140 μm diameter) and SM3240 (100 μm diameter) with enhanced mechanical properties and reduced cost of production. These monofilaments and composite panels have been evaluated through tensile testing. They have been found to be highly reproducible over three years of production with the monofilaments possessing an average tensile strength of 4.0±0.2 GPa with a Weibull modulus of 50±10. Recent advances in plasma focussed ion beam (PFIB) milling techniques and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) have been exploited to produce specimens revealing the interior of the monofilaments with unparalleled detail and precision. Raman spectroscopy and Auger spectroscopy have been used to characterise the microstructure and composition of the monofilaments and inform their development. The process for depositing a protective coating on the monofilaments has been improved, resulting in a 17% decrease in the total cost of CVD feedstock chemicals required. Previously unobserved nanoscale voids in the tungsten filament substrate have been identified as a critical process variable potentially responsible for the narrow strength distribution of the monofilaments. Analysis of the monofilament microstructures has indicated the potential for increasing the production speed of SM3256. Experimental trials have resulted in up to 75% faster production however a resulting decrease in performance demonstrates that further work is necessary. This research has resulted in significant cost reductions and has improved the economic viability of the monofilaments. The demonstration of reproducibility of the material properties has contributed to ongoing qualification for their use in aerospace components. The potential for further fundamental improvements to the process has been identified.

Silicon carbide and nanostructured ferritic alloy (SiC-NFA) composites have the potential to maintain the outstanding high temperature corrosion and irradiation resistance and enhance the mechanical integrity for nuclear cladding. However, the formation of detrimental silicide phases due to reaction between SiC and NFA remains a major challenge. By introducing a carbon interfacial barrier on NFA (C@NFA), SiC-C@NFA composites are investigated to reduce the reaction between SiC and NFA. In a similar way, the effect of chromium carbide (Cr3C2) interfacial barrier on SiC (Cr3C2@SiC) is also presented for Cr3C2@SiC-NFA composites. Both the coatings were successful in suppressing silicide formation. However, despite the presence of coatings, SiC was fully consumed during spark plasma sintering process. TEM and EBSD investigations revealed that spark plasma sintered SiC-C@NFA and Cr3C2@SiC-NFA formed varying amounts of different carbides such as (Fe,Cr)7C3, (Ti,W)C and graphite phases in their microstructure. Detailed microstructural examinations after long term thermal treatment at 1000oC on the microstructure of Cr3C2@SiC-NFA showed precipitation of new (Fe,Cr)7C3, (Ti,W)C carbides and also the growth of existing and new carbides. The results were successfully explained using ThermoCalc precipitation and coarsening simulations respectively. The oxidation resistance of 5, 15 and 25 vol% SiC@NFA and Cr3C2@SiC-NFA composites at 500-1000oC temperature under air+45%water vapor containing atmosphere is investigated. Oxidation temperature effects on surface morphologies, scale characteristics, and cross-sectional microstructures were investigated and analyzed using XRD and SEM. SiC-C@NFA showed reduced weight gain but also showed considerable internal oxidation. Cr3C2@SiC-NFA composites showed a reduction in weight gain with the increasing volume fraction of Cr3C2@SiC (5, 15 and 25) without any indication of internal oxidation in the microstructure. 25 vol% SiC-C@NFA and 25 vol% Cr3C2@SiC-NFA showed over 90% and 97% increase in oxidation resistance (in terms of weight gain) as compared to NFA. The results were explained using the fundamental understanding of the oxidation process and ThermoCalc/DICTRA simulations. Finally, the irradiation performance of SiC-C@NFA and Cr3C2@SiC-NFA composites was assessed in comparison with NFA using state-of-the-art TEM equipped with in-situ ion irradiation capability. Kr++ ions with 1 MeV energy was used for irradiation experiments. The effect of ion irradiation was recorded after particular dose levels (0-10 dpa) at 300oC and 450oC temperatures. NFA sample showed heavy dislocation damage at both 300oC and 450oC increasing gradually with dose levels (0-10 dpa). Cr3C2@SiC-NFA showed similar behavior as NFA at 300oC. However, at 450oC, Cr3C2@SiC-NFA showed remarkably low dislocation loop density and loop size as compared to NFA. At 300oC, microstructures of NFA and Cr3C2@SiC-NFA show predominantly 1/2<111> type dislocation loops. At 450oC, NFA showed predominantly <100> type loops, however, Cr3C2@SiC-NFA composite was still predominant in ½<111> loops. The possible reasons for this interesting behavior were discussed based on the large surface sink effects and enhanced interstitial-vacancy recombination at higher temperatures. The molecular dynamics simulations did not show considerable difference in formation energies of ½<111> and <100> loops for NFA and Cr3C2@SiC-NFA composites. The additional Si element in the SiC-NFA sample could have been an important factor in determining the dominant loop types. SiC-C@NFA composites showed heavy dislocation damage during irradiation at 300oC. At 450oC, SiC-C@NFA showed high dislocation damage in thicker regions. Thinner regions near the edge of TEM samples were largely free from dislocation loops. The precipitation and growth of new (Ti,W)C carbides were observed at 450oC with increasing irradiation dose. (Fe,Cr)7C3 precipitates were largely free from any dislocation damage. Some Kr bubbles were observed inside (Fe,Cr)7C3 precipitates and at the interface between α-ferrite matrix and carbides ((Fe,Cr)7C3, (Ti,W)C). The results were discussed using the fundamental understanding of irradiation and ThermoCalc simulations.
Doctor of Philosophy
With the United Nations describing climate change as 'the most systematic threat to humankind', there is a serious need to control the world's carbon emissions. The ever increasing global energy needs can be fulfilled by the development of clean energy technologies. Nuclear power is an attractive option as it can produce low cost electricity on a large scale with greenhouse gas emissions per kilowatt-hour equivalent to wind, hydropower and solar. The problem with nuclear power is its vulnerability to potentially disastrous accidents. Traditionally, fuel claddings, rods which encase nuclear fuel (e.g. UO2), are made using zirconium based alloys. Under 'loss of coolant accident (LOCA) scenarios' zirconium reacts with high temperature steam to produce large amounts of hydrogen which can explode. The risks associated with accidents can be greatly reduced by the development of new accident tolerant materials. Nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFA) and silicon carbide (SiC) are long considered are leading candidates for replacing zirconium alloys for fuel cladding applications. In this dissertation, a novel composite of SiC and NFA was fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology. Chromium carbide (Cr3C2) and carbon (C) coatings were employed on SiC and NFA powder particles respectively to act as reaction barrier between SiC and NFA. Microstructural evolution after spark plasma sintering was studied using advanced characterization tools such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The results revealed that the Cr3C2 and C coatings successfully suppressed the formation of detrimental reaction products such as iron silicide. However, some reaction products such as (Fe,Cr)7C3 and (Ti,W)C carbides and graphite retained in the microstructure. This novel composite material was subjected to high temperature oxidation under a water vapor environment to study its performance under the simulated reactor environment. The degradation of the material due to high temperature irradiation was studied using state-of-the-art TEM equipped with in-situ ion irradiation capabilities. The results revealed excellent oxidation and irradiation resistance in SiC-NFA composites as compared to NFA. The results were discussed based on fundamental theories and thermodynamic simulations using ThermoCalc software. The findings of this dissertation imply a great potential for SiC-NFA based composites for future reactor material designs.

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) of Al - 4 wt.% Cu reinforced with different volumetric fractions of B4C particles were produced by hot pressing. The effect of aging temperature on the age hardening response of the composites was studied and compared with the characteristics exhibited by the matrix alloy. Reinforcement addition was found to considerably affect the age hardening behavior. Detailed transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry observations were made to understand the aging response of the composites. The low strain rate and high strain rate deformation behavior of the MMCs were determined utilizing low velocity transverse rupture tests and true armor-piercing steel projectiles, respectively. Increasing the volume fraction of B4C led to a decrease in flexural strength. The flexural strength vs. strain rate plots showed a slight increase in strength followed by a decrease for all samples. The mechanical performance of the composites and the unreinforced alloy were greatly improved by heat treatment. The MMCs were found to be inferior to monolithic ceramics when used as facing plates in armors.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi a obtenção de compósitos de matriz metálica (CMM) pela rota da metalurgia do pó, e a avaliação destes quanto às suas características de usinagem e desgaste. Inicialmente foram obtidos materiais compósitos de matriz de alumínio comercialmente puro, com frações volumétricas de partículas de reforço de carboneto de silício iguais a 5, 10 e 15 %. Foi obtida também uma quantidade de material somente com o material da matriz (sem partículas de reforço) para que se pudesse durante o trabalho, verificar por comparação a influência da adição de material de reforço na matriz. O material obtido foi caracterizado física (densidade hidrostática), mecânica (dureza, ensaios de tração) e microestruturalmente (microscopia óptica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura). Os resultados mostraram para os materiais compósitos uma distribuição homogênea das partículas de reforço e melhoria das propriedades mecânicas principalmente o limite de resistência (LR) em relação ao material sem reforço. Na etapa seguinte foram realizados ensaios para verificação do comportamento dos materiais frente à usinagem, e avaliação de desempenho de diversos materiais de ferramenta (carboneto cementado, cerâmica e diamante policristalino). Nestes ensaios foram coletados valores de força de corte a partir de porta-ferramentas instrumentados com medidores de deformação. Fenômenos tais como desgaste da ferramenta, formação ou não de aresta postiça de corte e formação de cavaco também foram observados e avaliados. Os resultados encontrados nos ensaios com ferramenta de carboneto duro sinterizado foram utilizados para a determinação dos índices de usinabilidade de cada material; estes valores foram ainda aplicados na equação de Taylor e as constantes da equação para os materiais e condições de ensaio foram também determinadas. Os resultados mostraram que a inclusão de partículas de reforço cerâmico torna extremamente difícil a usinagem desses materiais e, somente com ferramenta de diamante foi possível obter resultados satisfatórios. Na fase final foram realizados testes de desgaste de efeito comparativo para verificação da influência da adição de partículas de reforço nas características de resistência ao desgaste do material. Neste caso a adição de partículas de reforço mostrou ser eficiente na melhoria da resistência ao desgaste de todos os materiais compósitos em relação ao material sem reforço.
The aim of this investigation was the obtainment of metal matrix composites (MMC) by the route of powder metallurgy, and the valuation of these materials with relation to their machining and wear characteristics. Firstly, were obtained pure comercial aluminium matrix composites materials, with 5, 10 and 15% volumectric fraction of silicon carbide particles. Was also obtained a material without reinforcement particles in order to verify by comparison, the influence of adittion of reinforcement particles. The obtained materials were characterized physics (hidrostatic density), mechanics (hardness and tensile tests) and microstructurally (optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy). The results showed a homogeneous distribution of reinforcement particles in the composite, and improvement in the mechanical properties, mainly tensile strength (UTS) in comparison to the unreinforced material. After, tests were made to verify the materials behavior during machining and to check the performance of several tool materials (cemented carbide, ceramics and polycrystalline diamond). In these tests, values of the cutting force were measured by instrumented tool-holders. Phenomena such as tool wear, built-up edge formation and mechanism of chip formation were also observed and evaluated. The results from the cemented carbide tool tests, were utilisated for the machinability index determination of each material. These results were applied to the Taylor equation and the equation constants for each material and test conditions were determinated. The results showed that the inclusion of silicon carbide particles made extremely difficult the machining of the composites, and only with diamond tool, satisfactory results were obtained. At last, wear tests were performed to verify the influence of the reinforcement particles in the characteristics of wear resistance of the materials. The results obtained were utilized in the wear coefficient determination for each material. The results showed an improvement in wear resistance, with the increase in volume fraction of reinforcement particles.

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica
This investigation aimed to study new surface processing strategies to produce reinforced surface metal matrix composites by Friction Stir Processing. The first consisted on pre-placing reinforcing particles over the surface, while the second used consumables drilled holes filled with reinforcing particles. Each strategy was investigated using an electric current in a process under patenting. Aluminium AA5083-H111 plates were used as base material. Silicon carbide and alumina particles with median sizes of 35 and 45 μm, respectively, were used. Pre deposition of reinforcing particles proved to be more effective than the use of consumable tools packed with particles. The last ones produced coatings with a non homogeneous distribution and poor bonding between the substrate and the reinforcing coating. The pre deposition of alumina produced a higher extension and depth of reinforced layer and an increase in hardness of 60%, while silicon carbide produced an increase in hardness of 300 %, though in a smaller extension and depth than alumina under the same processing conditions. Using the electric current a significant raise of 500% and 40% was observed in extension and depth respectively, but hardness decreased by 10 %.

Dissertação apresentada na Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica
An investigation was carried out to evaluate the potential application of Friction Stir Processing (FSP) to produce Functionally Graded Materials (FGM‟s). Friction stir processed materials can be considered as FGM‟s since the localized microstructural modification results in a gradual property modification. Therefore, to enhance hardness and ductility at specific superficial levels, surface layers of processed material were produced by multiple-pass FSP with an overlap ratio of 0.5. Overlapping was done on the advancing (AS) and retreating sides (RS) to study potential differences on the resulting mechanical properties. It was observed that processing in these two conditions led to different surface topography, since overlapping by the advancing side resulted in a wave-like surface profile. The mechanisms involved in FSP also led to its exploitation for the production of particle-reinforced Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) materials, as the severe plastic deformation produced during the process promotes the dispersion of the particles within the matrix. An investigation was conducted in order to produce aluminium based functionally graded MMCs reinforced by SiC ceramic particles with median size of 118.8, 37.4 and 12.3 micron. AA5083 aluminium alloy plates in the H111 and partially annealed conditions were processed. Several strategies for reinforcement were investigated and its influence on the particle distribution and homogeneity. The most promising results were achieved when the pin fully overlapped the groove. SiC fraction area analysis revealed two orthogonal gradients. Since FSP was used as a surface processing technique, the magnitude of the microstructural effects generated by the tool gradually decreases along the depth of the processed material. A second gradient was generated parallel to the bead surface due to the asymmetric nature of material flow around the tool. The use of smaller sized particles led to more homogeneous composite layers and smother gradients. Tool wear was very significant, proving that SiC reinforcement is not the most suitable method to produce FGM‟s.

碩士
中山醫學大學
職業安全衛生學系碩士班
101
The metal matrix composite (MMC) has been used in automobile, aerospace and medical industrial. The welding process was a main scheme to fabricate the complex parts due to the machinability of the MMC was limited to their high hardness. However, the density of metal matrix is lighter than those of reinforcement, a separation occurs when metal matrix was molten and the defect of segregation would be form. This defect would degrade the welding quality of the MMC. Furthermore, the traditional arc fusion welding process has several potential hazardous factors, high temperature, fume, toxic gases and radiations to affect the occupational safety and welder’s health. In this study, a solid diffusion bonding process, hot pressing method was thus employed to improve the bonding quality of MMCs and to reduce the hazardous factors of bonding process. An aluminum reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) particles was used as based metals, which were fabricated by powder metallurgy method. To increase the bondability of Al/SiC MMCs, an aluminum foil with a thickness of 50μm was selected as a bonding layer. The Al/SiC MMCs joins to each other with an aluminum foil bonding layer at an air atmosphere. The effects of main processing parameters, bonding temperature, bonding time and the fraction of reinforcement on the bonding quality were investigated. The bonding strength of MMCs was evaluated using a shear test, the observation and compositions identified on the fracture surfaces were using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The Al/SiC MMCs bonded successfully with the Al bonding layer and both the bonding strength and density ratio were improved with increasing the bonding temperature. An elevated bonding temperature enhances the atomic interdiffusion between the Al base metal and the Al bonding foil. Increasing the fractional SiC reinforcement of base metal, the bonding strength is improved. However, the fraction of SiC reinforcement in base metal increases to 30wt%, SiC particles clusters at bonding interface to obstruct the Al atomic interdiffusion, and the bonding strength thus decreases significantly. Although extending the bonding time provides a high thermal input which enhances the Al atomic interdiffusion, and to improve the bonding quality, but the higher thermal input causes the grain growth and grain coarse on Al matrix leading to degrade the bonding quality. In the work, the highest bonding strength was 104.1 MPa for Al/SiC MMC with 25wt% reinforcement bonded at 600°C for 30min. This experimental result not only demonstrates the high bonding quality for Al/SiC MMC bonding to each other, but also this solid diffusion bonding process could reduce the procession hazards comparing the conventional fusion arc welding procession.

D. Tech. Mechanical Engineering.
Discusses the main objective of this study was to extend the hybrid method developed by Paskaramoorthy, et al (1988). This objective was to study the effect of elastic wave on any particulate reinforced metal matrix composite (PRMMC). The specific objectives were: to compare the effect of plane wave and shear vertical wave on a particular particulate reinforced metal matrix composite (PRMMC)-Mg/TiC, using analytical method ; to use the extended hybrid method to determine the effect of particle size and single interface layer on Mg/TiC.