Investigations on mechanical properties of friction stir weldment in aluminium based hybrid metal matrix composite

Abstract

The monolithic metals and alloys have been utilized in almost all applications across various sectors that still demands excellence in their properties in terms of the strength, durability and so on. Continuous research in this materials leads to the invention of new materials, new methods, new manufacturing processes etc., which transforms the standard of living to a newer prospect decade after decade. The challenging environment today requires increasing demand of newer materials that fit remarkably well in the applications. Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) find their presence well in the place where monolithic metals and alloys fall short to meet the requirements. The remarkable properties of the MMCs include high strength-to-density ratio, fatigue resistance, wear resistance, higher electrical and thermal conductivities, transverse stiffness, radiation resistance, low creep rate and so on. MMCs were widely used in the application areas where enhanced properties are required such as high stiffness-to-weight ratio in aerospace industries, high corrosion resistance in marine applications, good temperature workability in space applications etc., The fabrication of Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) with ceramic reinforcements has caught the attention of researchers nowadays. The addition of more than one reinforcement in aluminium alloy matrix leads to the fabrication of hybrid metal matrix composite. Conventional welding processes are not feasible at times for the AMCs owing to the set properties that react in a diverse manner. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process is an emerging solid state joining process in which the material that is being welded, does not melt and recast. newline