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Simulation of the mechanical properties of an aluminum matrix composite using X-ray microtomography

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Abstract

Aluminum-based particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites (PMMCs) frequently have a heterogeneous distribution of reinforcement particles whether produced by a powder or liquid processing route. The applicability of X-ray microtomography (XMT) for the characterization of this heterogeneity, and its influence on final properties, was investigated for the case of a powder blended and extruded AA2124 matrix with Ni particulate. Three-dimensional image analysis techniques were used to quantify the embedded Ni particle size distribution and the extent and texture of clusters formed. The XMT data were exploited as a rapid method to generate a microstructurally accurate and robust three-dimensional mesh for input for finite-element modeling. Simulation of the elastoplastic response of the material showed excellent correlation with experimental results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Department of Materials, Imperial College London, SW7 2BP, London, United Kingdom

    I. G. Watson (Doctoral Student), P. D. Lee (Professor) & R. J. Dashwood (Senior Lecturer)

  2. Simpleware Ltd., Innovation Centre, University of Exeter, EX4 4RN, Exeter, United Kingdom

    P. Young (Senior Lecturer)

Authors
  1. I. G. Watson
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  2. P. D. Lee
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  3. R. J. Dashwood
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  4. P. Young
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Additional information

This article is based on a presentation made in the symposium “Computational Aspects of Mechanical Properties of Materials,” which occurred at the 2005 TMS Annual Meeting, February 13–17, 2005, in San Francisco, CA, under the auspices of the MPMD-Computational Materials Science & Engineering (Jt. ASM-MSCTS) Committee.

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Watson, I.G., Lee, P.D., Dashwood, R.J. et al. Simulation of the mechanical properties of an aluminum matrix composite using X-ray microtomography. Metall Mater Trans A 37, 551–558 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-006-0027-9

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