Fabrication and Characterization of Hybrid Aluminum Matrix Composites for Structural use in Aerospace Applications

Abstract

The development of high specific strength materials with superior mechanical properties have always been of keen interest for the aerospace industry. Modern technological developments have pushed existing engineering materials used in these industries to their limits and the demand for new materials continues to grow to at an ever-increasing rate. Of the new materials being considered, sintered metal matrix composites are particularly promising because of their superior properties and our ability to tailor these properties for particular applications. Traditionally, conventional Aluminum alloys have been the structural material to choice for the aerospace industry. This is attributed to their high specific strength, cost effectiveness and partly due to their ability to be easily recycled. Hence because of the inherent properties suited to the applications, our research will focus on the development of sintered hybrid Aluminum metal matrix composites with optimum properties for structural use in the aerospace industry.