Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Measurement of Metal Matrix Composites by Thermo Mechanical Analyser

Abstract

The demand of today’s and future spacecrafts for a stable platform for critical payloads is the driving force behind the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) measurement of different aerospace materials. The CTE of a composite is different from that given by a simple rule of mixtures. This is because of the presence of reinforcement. The expansion coefficient of reinforcement is less than that of the matrix which introduces a mechanical constraint on the matrix. The degree of constraint is also dependent on the nature of the reinforcement. It is important to point out that interface can exert some influence on the value of CTE, especially for very small particle size. In addition to the interface, the CTE of particle reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) is affected by several other factors. To cater the needs of various requirements in a spacecraft making, a wide variety of materials are used. Besides, the indigenization efforts and development of new materials for space-use emphasizes the measurement of CTE before their actual use. Stir casting technique was used to fabricate composites containing Si Cp as reinforcements and special thermo physical properties of the material are found. CTE of the composites are measured by TMA. The experiments have been carried out in the temperature range -1400 C to 5750 C.