Finite element modelling and development of SiC-filled ZA-27 alloy composites in erosive wear environment: a comparative analysis

Abstract

The erosion wear resistance of silicon carbide (SiC) filled Zn–Al alloys is determined insolid particle erosive wear test rig under five different operation conditions such as impact velocity, SiC content, erodent temperature, impingement angle, and erodent size. This study evaluates the influence of independent parameters on erosive wear behaviour of composites. A design of experiments L16orthogonal array design is conducted in a controlled way and a regression model is developed in order to verify the experimental results. This article tries to develop finite element simulation model (ANSYS/AUTODYN) to validate the experimental results. The results obtained in this study enable the influence and significance of various parameters to be better understood. It is observed SiC-reinforced ZA-27 alloy composites exhibit better erosion resistance as compared with ZA-27 alloy composite. In this investigation, the physical and mechanical properties of all the filled and unfilled composites are also evaluated for structural applications.