Principal Investigators: Richard J. Fields, Roger B. Clough, and Anna C. Fraker

Technical Description:

Reducing the weight of automobiles will reduce fuel consumption and pollution without degrading performance. Many automotive components which are made of steel, could be replaced by components made from less dense metals or metal matrix composites. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the properties of these materials that determine their performance during fabrication and service. Currently, this project consists of two activities: one focused on understanding the performance of particle reinforced aluminum (PRA) metal matrix composites during press-and-sinter processing and another that examines the performance of magnesium and magnesium matrix composites in the corrosive automotive environment. These were selected to address the technical barriers inhibiting the selection and use of these two materials: the cost of producing PRA composites and the corrosion of components made from magnesium.

Technical Objectives:

• Develop models for the press-and-sinter and powder forge processes for metal matrix composites.

• Validate powder forging models for commercial aluminum matrix composites.

• Assist industry in applying these models to accelerate die design and optimize preforming/forging conditions.

• Provide reproducible electrochemical corrosion testing procedures for active metals which will yield results representative of automotive service.

• Provide mechanistic information for understanding electrochemical behavior in magnesium alloys which will enable the development of more corrosion resistant alloys by industry.

Anticipated Outcome:

• This work will enable the automotive industry to produce automobiles which are lighter and more fuel efficient without sacrificing performance.

• This work will help U.S. producers of metal matrix composites and Mg alloys by removing the technical barrier inhibiting the use of their products by automobile manufacturers.

Accomplishments for FY 1995:

• Unique powder test equipment procured and setup.

• Collaborations with USCAR, ALCOA, and Cambridge University established.

• Macromechanical model for MMC compaction proposed.

• Established a reproducible electrochemical test method.

• Four papers reporting the results of this work were prepared and submitted for publication.

Impacts and Technical Highlights:

• Provided data evaluations demonstrating the effectiveness of a protective coating on a magnesium alloy to industry. Luke Engineering and Mfg. Co. is using these results to help them identify applications for their products.

Back to Table of Contents

Last modified: Mon Jan 06 09:46:15 1997 Metallurgy Webmeister