Enabling Technology for the Design of Short-Fiber Reinforced Aluminum MMC Components

Metal matrix composite alloys combine the attributes of metals and ceramic reinforcements to provide materials engineered with low density and high specific mechanical properties. Most components do not require the high performance capability of aluminum MMCs throughout their entirety. Reinforcement of only the high stress regions of a component will reduce manufacturing costs. This is referred to as selective reinforcement. Data that may be used to facilitate this approach to component design and manufacture is presented. The predicted effect of the interface between reinforced and un-reinforced regions is also discussed.