Mechanical properties of metal–matrix composites reinforced with carbide structures

Abstract

Abstract Metal–matrix composites based on an aluminum matrix reinforced with ceramic particles are widely used as structural materials in the aerospace and automotive industries. The main problems in the manufacture are the uniformity of the distribution of particles over the volume, poor adhesion of ceramic particles to the matrix metal, and the formation of aluminum carbide at the interfaces, leading to undesirable embrittlement. We propose a new technique for the manufacture of metal–matrix composites, which consists in creating a composite material, when carbide nanostructures form a framework in the volume of an aluminum matrix, and which allows solving the above problems. A finite element model of deformation of a metal–matrix composite reinforced with carbide structures is constructed.