q.UIDES: DR. K.S. PANDEY,

Mr. T. SRINIVASA

APPENDIX I

SUMMARY OF SENIORS PROJECT

ASST. PROF.

RAO, LECTURER

Meta1 matrix composites have rapidly gained importance as the new generation ofmaterials. It has been observed that they possess superior properties comparedto the conventional materials. In this study, I investigated hot deformation andwear resistance properties of MMC's with SiC & Zirconium as dispersoids in A1based matrices. These characteristics were also compared with those of specimensmade of base metal alone.

Several samples with varying composition of SiC (5%, 70%, L5%) in a matrix ofA1 were prepared. Similar samples were prepared with Zirconium also. Usingpowder metallurgical techniques compaction was carried out followed by sinteringat 550oC. Those composites were now tested for strength to failure some sampleswere also hot extruded and studied for densification & strength. In the courseof my investigations I found the composites to have achieved very high strengths.In fact, while I was machining the samples the High-Speed-Steel cutting toolsemployed were damaged. The base metal samples were machined very easily.This gave me an indication of the improvement of the strength due to the use ofSiC and Zr. Intrigued by this, I then set out to investigate the hot deformationcharacteristics of these composites. Out of curiosity, I shall also be studyingthe wear resistance properties though it lies outside the purview of the project.Currently my research work is directed towards the analysis of hot deformation/wear resistance properties of these composites and a comparative study withrespect to the base metal. I am conducting wear resistance tests on a weartesting machine (Pin & Disc Apparatus) and the hot deformation studies using aUTM. I plan to conduct the hot deformation studies over a range of temperaturesand collect extensive data, by way of experiments. The variables for wearresistance tests are load, speed of rotation & time.

I then intend to draw a correlation between the wear resistance/hot deformationcharacteristics and the respective variables. I will be submitting my results forpublication.