The deformation characteristics of SiC particulate-reinforced aluminium alloy 6061

The deformation characteristics of aluminium alloy 6061 reinforced with particulate SiC have been investigated using experimental and numerical methods. The materials investigated contained 0, 5, 10, 20% by volume and 3, 10, 30 μm by size of SiC particulates. The matrix microstructure was systematically heat treated to natural aged (NA), peak aged (PA) and over-aged (OA) conditions. In order to set up a comparative materials database, the microstructural characteristics of the unreinforced matrix material with identical fabricating and processing history were examined. The tensile strength and stiffness of the composites increased with increasing particle volume fraction for heat treatments provided that it was over a limiting value. The PA specimens had the highest tensile strength, but the NA specimens had the greatest elongation to failure and the largest ratio of tensile to yield strength. Good agreement was obtained between experimental results and model predictions of mechanical properties.