Research in Aluminum Matrix Composites for Improvement in Damping Capacity

We have tried to improve damping capacity of an aluminum alloy by means of dispersing ceramic particles (low damping SiC and high damping NdNbO₄) of different sizes and volume fractions in the aluminum alloy by powder metallurgy. It is shown that the damping capacity is increased in every case accompanying an increase of Young's modulus. It is also shown that the intrinsic damping capacity of dispersed particles does not play a role in improving the damping capacity. The increase of the damping capacity seems to be attributed to dislocations breakaway, interaction of fine particles and dislocations, and relaxation of interface between ceramic particles and aluminum matrix.