Ultrasonic consolidation for embedding SMA fibres within aluminium matrices

For this paper, adaptive composites will be considered as structural materials for advanced aerospace applications which have the ability to measure and respond to external stimuli by adapting the structure accordingly, through embedded active or passive functional elements. The intention of this project was targeted at the fabrication of adaptive composites using a novel layered manufacturing technique called ultrasonic consolidation (UC). This paper details the initial study of this research to identify plastic deformation of the matrix material around shape memory alloy (SMA) fibres, and bond quality, based on the microscopic observation and mechanical test results obtained. The embedding method, considered during this study, has successfully produced laminate specimens, with full consolidation, within seconds, using low oscillation amplitude and low contact pressures (<300 kPa). This work will report on the identification of the bonding characteristics for these SMA fibres when embedded in aluminium alloy 3003 specimens.