Aluminum-fly ash metal matrix composites for automotive parts. [Reports for October 1 to December 1998, and January 31 to March 31, 1999]
Some highlights are: (1) Material development, process development, and part validation are occurring simultaneously on a fast track schedule. (2) Prior project activity has resulted in a program emphasis on three components--manifolds, mounting brackets, and motor mounts; and three casting techniques--squeeze casting, pressure die casting, and sand casting. (3) With the project focus, it appears possible to offer manifolds and mounting brackets for automotive qualification testing on a schedule in line with the PNGV Year 2004 goal. (4) Through an iterative process of fly ash treatment, MMC ingot preparation, foundry process refinement, and parts production, both foundries (Eck Industries and Thompson Aluminum Casting Company) are addressing the pre-competitive issues of: (a) Optimum castability with fly ash shapes and sizes; (b) Best mechanical properties derived from fly ash shapes and sizes; (c) Effective fly ash classification processes; (d) Mechanical properties resulting from various casting processes and fly ash formulations. Eck and TAC continued experiments with batch ingot provided by both Eck and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. Castings were run that contained varying amounts of fly ash and different size fractions. Components were cast using cenosphere material to ascertain the effects of squeeze casting and to determine whether the pressure would break the cenospheres. Test parts are currently being machined into substandard test bars for mechanical testing. Also, the affect of heat treatments on ashalloy are being studied through comparison to two lots, one heat treated and one in the ''as cast'' condition.
- Research Organization:
- none (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC05-97OR22545
- OSTI ID:
- 761815
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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