Experimental investigation of aluminum matrix functionally graded material: Microstructural and hardness analyses, fretting, fatigue, and mechanical properties

Abstract

This study investigated the mechanical properties of aluminum matrix functionally graded material (FGM) reinforced by integration of aluminum 2014 alloy (AlCu4SiMg) and 15 vol% SiC. The specimens were obtained by centrifugal casting technique, followed by aging treatment. The variations that occurred in microstructure, hardness, Young's modulus, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, fatigue, and fretting fatigue behaviors were analyzed. In both cast and aged conditions, it was observed that hardness values and mechanical properties changed between SiC-rich and aluminum-rich regions. Fatigue and fretting fatigue data were similar. It was determined that greater wear was occurring on the pad surfaces compared to that occurring on the sample surfaces. © 2015 Institution of Mechanical Engineers.