Statistical evaluation of strength for die-cast SiCp/Al alloy composites

Statistical evaluation for strength of die-cast SiCp/aluminum alloy composites has been performed in order to predict the reliability of composites. Die-casting was performed using the preheated die at the pouring temperature of 700 degreesC. It was found that the SiC particulates were homogeneously distributed in Al alloy matrix, resulting from the refinement of cell size due to rapid cooling rate. The tensile strength of the as-die-cast composites was higher than that of the as-die-cast aluminum alloy. Furthermore, the tensile strength slightly increased with increasing SiC particulate volume fraction. However, the strength scattering of composites increased with increasing SiC particulate volume fraction. For the statistical evaluation of strength, the Weibull modulus of die-cast SiCp/Al alloy composites was 29.5 in Al matrix alloy, 22.2 and 14.2 for 10 and 20 vol.% SiCp, respectively. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.