Thermal mismatch stresses in a metal matrix composite - A finite element analysis.

This investigation is focused on study of change in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of albite reinforced 6061 aluminum composites with respect to temperature and analysis of residual thermal stresses by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The composites were prepared by compocasting for varying percentages of albite reinforcement in steps of 0, 2, 4, and 6% by weight. The CTE is expected to vary with relative residual strains which in turn depend on the percentage of reinforcement when cooled from 500 degreesC to room temperature. The experimental CTE values were compared with developed model. FEA has been used to investigate the distribution of residual thermal stresses in the interfacial region. The result indicates that the properties of the interfacial region affect the stress distribution.