Mechanical Properties of SiC Whisker-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite Wheel

Abstract

Carbon fiber composite has advantages such as high specific heat capacity, low coefficient of thermal expansion and low elastic modulus. The SiC whisker-reinforced aluminum (SiCw-Al) matrix composite wheel has been developed to address the thermal fatigue failure of wheels caused by the braking heat. This paper studied the thermal cycle characteristics, crack propagation and fracture mechanism of SiCw-Al matrix composite wheel. Using finite element simulation technology, it compared the fatigue life of both the SiCw-Al matrix composite wheel and the traditional steel wheel. According to the findings, during braking, the wheel made of SiCw-Al matrix composites has 20.1% lower maximum temperature than the ordinary steel wheel; Its maximum safety factor (yield strength/maximum stress) has increased by 1.08, and its fatigue life is significantly longer. The SiCw-Al matrix composites show excellent mechanical properties and is thus widely used.