Computational Analysis on Elastic-Plastic Fracture of Al/B4C and Al2SiO5 Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

In this study the hybrid composites were developed using the stir casting technique as per Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array. Hybrid composites were fabricated using Aluminium Al6082 as the base material and reinforced with the combinations of reinforcements Al2SiO5 and B4C at three levels (4, 8, and 12%). The developed composites were analyzed for micro-structurally and mechanical tests were performed as per ASTM standards. The microstructural analysis was done using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope while compositional studies were done using X-ray diffraction and EDAX analysis. Mechanical tests such as tensile, impact, and flexural were conducted and their damage assessment was done using a scanning electron microscope. The fatigue characteristics like high cycle fatigue and fatigue crack propagation were studied both experimentally and numerically. The experimental data and numerical modeling analysis data obtained for the hybrid composite system, agreed with each other.