Exploration the extrudability of aluminum matrix composite (LM6/TIC) through modeling, simulation and experimental process

Abstract

Aluminum matrix composites (LM6/TiC) is a mix of excellent properties of aluminum casting alloy (LM6), and particles of (TiC) which make it the first choice in many applications like airplane and marine industries. During this research the extrudability and mechanical specifications of this composite (LM6/TiC) are investigated before and after extrusion theoretically and experimentally. In this research; ABAQUS/CAE software has been successfully employed for Modeling and simulation the extrusion process before experiments in order to predict any error before fabrication. The experimental works includes design and fabrication the extrusion mold. The extruded parts are test by (SEM) to show the microstructure properties. Simulation results indicate the positions of stresses concentration (Mises stresses), and also the velocity of dislocation elements during extrusion. Experimental results show that, many mechanical properties are improved and enhanced after extrusion like stiffness and wear resistance. The microstructure test show that, the addition of (5%) wt. of (TiC) particulate with (T6) heat treatment (treating the solution in (525°C) and then ageing for (8) h at 180 °C) to the master alloy (LM6) will improve the strength about more than (15%) comparing with original matrix (LM6). Comparison between theoretical and practical results before and after extrusion indicates significant improvements after adding (TiC) particulates. This improvement is due to the high interference and bonding forces between the master alloy and composite particulates, which result in a fine grain size after the process.

Keywords: Aluminum, Extrusion, Composite, TiC, LM6.