M. Ramachandra

Bio: M. Ramachandra is an academic researcher from B.M.S. College of Engineering. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ultimate tensile strength & Metal matrix composite. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 24 publications receiving 530 citations.

Synthesis-microstructure-mechanical properties-wear and corrosion behavior of an Al-Si (12%)—Flyash metal matrix composite

Abstract: In the present investigation, Aluminium based metal matrix composite containing up to 15% weight percentage of flyash particulates were successfully synthesized using vortex method. The properties like density, hardness, microhardness, ductility and ultimate tensile strength were investigated. The MMC produced was also subjected to corrosion, dry sliding wear and slurry erosive wear test to investigate its behavior under different material wearing conditions. The results of microhardness revealed higher hardness of the matrix material in the immediate vicinity of flyash particle. The addition of flyash particles reduces the density of composite while increasing some of their mechanical properties. The results of wear studies have shown that the resistance to wear increases with increase in percentage of flyash. Corrosion resistance decreases with increase in flyash content. The macrostructural and microstructural characteristics of the MMC were investigated with particular emphasis on the distribution of flyash particles in the matrix. Macrostructural studies have shown near uniform distribution of flyash particles in matrix. Analysis of fractured surface of tensile test specimen is also made which revealed brittle fracture behavior of MMCs.

Characterization of hybrid aluminum matrix composites for advanced applications – A review

Abstract: Hybrid aluminum matrix composites (HAMCs) are the second generation of composites that have potential to substitute single reinforced composites due to improved properties. This paper investigates the feasibility and viability of developing low cost-high performance hybrid composites for automotive and aerospace applications. Further, the fabrication characteristics and mechanical behavior of HAMCs fabricated by stir casting route have also been reviewed. The optical micrographs of the HAMCs indicate that the reinforcing particles are fairly distributed in the matrix alloy and the porosity levels have been found to be acceptable for the casted composites. The density, hardness, tensile behavior and fracture toughness of these composites have been found to be either comparable or superior to the ceramic reinforced composites. It has been observed from the literature that the direct strengthening of composites occurs due to the presence of hard ceramic phase, while the indirect strengthening arises from the thermal mismatch between the matrix alloy and reinforcing phase during solidification. Based on the database for material properties, the application area of HAMCs has been proposed in the present review. It has been concluded that the hybrid composites offer more flexibility and reliability in the design of possible components depending upon the reinforcement's combination and composition.

Production and wear characterisation of AA 6061 matrix titanium carbide particulate reinforced composite by enhanced stir casting method

Abstract: Metal matrix composite (MMC) focuses primarily on improved specific strength, high temperature and wear resistance application Aluminium matrix reinforced with titanium carbide (Al–TiC p ) has good potential The main challenge is to produce this composite in a cost effective way to meet the above requirements In this study Al–TiC p castings with different volume fraction of TiC were produced in an argon atmosphere by an enhanced stir casting method Specific strength of the composite has increased with higher % of TiC addition Dry sliding wear behaviour of AMC was analysed with the help of a pin on disc wear and friction monitor The present analyses reveal the improved specific strength as well as wear resistance

Investigations on mechanical properties of aluminum hybrid composites

Abstract: a b s t r a c t A double stir casting process was used to fabricate aluminum composites reinforced with various volume fractions of 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt% RHA and SiC particulates in equal proportions. Properties such as hardness, density, porosity and mechanical behavior of the unreinforced and Al/x%RHA/x%SiC (x = 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%) reinforced hybrid composites were examined. Scanning electron microscope (model JSM-6610LV) was used to study the microstructural characterization of the composites. It was observed that the hardness and porosity of the hybrid composite increased with increasing reinforcement volume fraction and density decreased with increasing particle content. It was also observed that the UTS and yield strength increase with an increase in the percent weight fraction of the reinforcement particles, whereas elongation decreases with the increase in reinforcement. The increase in strength of the hybrid composites is probably due to the increase in dislocation density. A systematic study of the base alloy and composites was done using the Brinell hardness measurement and the corresponding age hardening curves were obtained. It was observed that in comparison to that of the base aluminum alloy, the precipitation kinetics of the composites were accelerated by adding the reinforcement. This effectively reduced the time for obtaining the maximum hardness by the aging heat treatment.