74924 - Light Alloys and Metal Matrix Composites

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student gains knowledge about: a) manufacturing techniques for light metals and metal matrix composites (MMCs); b) how to discriminate between manufacturing techniques as a function of the application for which the component must be produced; c) physical, chemical and mechanical properties of  light metals and MMCs

Course contents

- Aluminium, magnesium and titanium alloys. Extraction processes, manufacturing techniques, heat treatments, mechanical, physical, chemical properties.

- Concept and definitions of composite materials. Function of the matrix and the reinforcement.  Classification of composites.

- Types of reinforcement, mechanical properties, production methods.    

- MMC production processes: Diffusion Bonding, Powder Metallurgy, Compocasting, processes for infiltration, Osprey MMC in situ production  

- Secondary processing of MMC: extrusion, forging, rolling, casting, welding   

- Mechanics of Composites: Slab Model and Shear Lag Model   

- Matrix-reinforcement interface: stress states,  Metcalfe model, tension and compression tests.   

- Effect of the presence of the reinforcement on dislocations, precipitation processes and recrystallization of the metal matrix.  

- MMC Fracture mechanisms

Readings/Bibliography

It is not necessary to purchase specific texts, the texts being available on-line databases of the university. Moreover, during the course, teaching material will be provided. For further information we recommend:

Books

Materials Science and Engineering:  An Introduction. William D. Callister, Jr, David G. Rethwisch. 2010 John Wiley & Sons 

Light Alloys 4th Edition.  I. Polmear. Butterworth-Heinemann - 2005.

Titanium. G. Luetjering, J.C. Williams. Springer - 2003.

ASM Handbook, Volume 02 - Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials

An Introduction to Metal Matrix Composites, TW Clyne, PJ Whiters. 1995 Cambridge University Press

Fundamentals of metal-matrix composites  edited by S. Suresh, A. Mortensen, and A. Needleman. 1993  Butterworth-Heinemann. 

Metal and Ceramic Matrix Composites Edited by Brian Cantor, Fionn Dunne and Ian Stone. 2004 IOP Publishing Ltd

An introduction to composite materials - Derek Hull, T. W. Clyne - 1996 - Technology & Engineering

Engineered materials Handbook Vol. 1: Composites, ASM International

Composite materials: design and applications - Daniel Gay, Suong V. Hoa, Stephen W. Tsai - 2003 - Technology & Engineering

Databases on line

University of Bologna

http://www.crcnetbase.com/page/engineering_ebooks

University of Cambridge

http://www.doitpoms.ac.uk

http://www.doitpoms.ac.uk/tlplib/fibre_composites/index.php

University of Liverpool

http://www.matter.org.uk/universities.htm

Teaching methods

Lectures according to the timetable. Lab practicals.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of a written test  and oral exam to evaluate the knowledge about:
a) physical, chemical and mechanical properties of  Al, Mg and Ti alloys
b) physical, chemical and mechanical properties of reinforcements
c) manufacturing techniques for metal matrix composites (MMCs)
d) physical, chemical and mechanical properties of  MMCs
e) how to discriminate between manufacturing techniques as a function of the application for which the component must be produced .

Teaching tools

The educational activities will be carried out using, PC, video projector and blackboard

The educational material, presented in class, will be made available to the student in electronic format. Such material should be printed and brought to the lesson

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Morri