Statistical analysis for strength and spatial distribution of reinforcement in SiC particulate reinforced aluminum alloy composites fabricated by die-casting

Statistical analysis for strength and spatial distribution of reinforcement in die-cast SiC_p/Al alloy composites was performed in order to predict the reliability of composites. Microstructural analysis was also done to determine the critical features of the composites. Die-casting was carried out using the preheated die at the casting temperature range of 620–750°C. It was found that the SiC pacticulates were homogeneously dispersed in die-cast Al matrix alloy, resulting from the refinement of dendritic cell size due to rapid cooling rate. The tensile strength of die-cast SiC_p/Al alloy composites was higher than that of die-cast Al matrix alloy. Also, the tensile strength was slightly increased with increasing SiC particulate volume fraction at the casting temperature range of 650–700°C. It was concluded that the die-cast temperatures of 750 and 700°C are optimum condition for the distribution of SiC particulates in consequence of good fluidity of melt for 10 and 20 vol.% SiC_p/Al alloy composites, respectively. However, the strength scattering of composites was increased with increasing SiC particulate volume fraction. For the statistical evaluation of strength, the maximum Weibull modulus of die-cast SiC_p/Al alloy composites, which was obtained at the cast temperature of 700°C, was 29.6 in Al matrix alloy, 22.2 in 10 vol.% SiC_p and 14.2 in 20 vol.% SiC_p, respectively.