Optimization of Stir Casting Parameters for Manufacturing Aluminium Based Nanocomposites Through Numerical Investigation

Abstract

<jats:p>Due to technological advancements, nanocomposites are being considered as one of the candidate materials for manufacturing wide variety of automobile components such as brake rotors, pistons, cylinder liners and transmission housings etc. Due to lower manufacturing cost and simplicity, stir casting is the most common method to produce the nanocomposites. The final properties of nanocomposites produced through stir casting primarily depend upon the uniform distribution of nanoparticles, but then influenced by stir cast processing parameters. The influence of stir casting parameters such as stirrer blade angle (90°, 70° and 50°), rotating speed (400 rpm, 600 rpm and 800 rpm) on the better distribution of nanoparticles (2% by wt.) in the molten aluminium alloy matrix was investigated using finite element analysis. These casting parameters were also optimized to provide a fluid flow behavior that results in the effective distribution of nanoparticles. The validation of numerical results was done by manufacturing a nanocomposite at these optimized processing conditions. The microstructural evaluation of the developed nanocomposite revealed the uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the base matrix.</jats:p>

Enhancement of dynamic mechanical properties and flame resistance of nanocomposites based on epoxy and nanosilica modified with KR‐12 coupling agent

“…When the m‐nanosilica loading is higher than 3.0 wt%, the hardness of nanocomposites does not change and reaches a maximum value of 28.6 HB, which is about 31.98% higher than that of neat epoxy. This can be explained by the nanoparticles can be agglomerated at high content leading to less effectiveness in improvement of the hardness of nanocomposites as reported by Kannan et al 24 Figure 1(b) displays the curve of the weight loss of the nanocomposites versus m‐nanosilica loading. The abrasion amount of EP‐UN1 is 3.763 (10 −9 g/N mm).…”

A Critical Review on Synthesis of Aluminum Metallic Composites through Stir Casting: Challenges and Opportunities

“…Bottom pouring is observed to be more advantageous as it enables instant pouring of the composite mixture in the moulds, avoiding unwanted particle settling at the bottom of the graphite (Gr) crucible. [ 126,179,185–187 ]…”

“…[ 225 ] Major stages involved in this process are shown in Figure . Kannan and Ramanujam [ 185 ] developed AA 7075/SiC np /Al 2 O 3np through the synergic arrangement of stir‐squeeze casting with bottom pouring and reported enhanced tensile strength, ductility, hardness, and impact strength by 106.3%, 31.6%, 81.1%, and 92.3%, respectively, over unreinforced matrix phase.…”