Applications of Metal Matrix Composites in High Performance Racing Engines
Citations Over TimeTop 22% of 1991 papers
Abstract
<div class="htmlview paragraph">Metal matrix composite (MMC) engine components for high performance racing applications were produced using the PRIMEX<sup>™</sup> pressureless metal infiltration process. Utilization of these composites resulted in significant weight reduction and performance benefits for each component.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The metal matrix composites which were evaluated consisted of aluminum alloys reinforced with 45-65 volume percent of either aluminum oxide or silicon carbide particulates. The high volume fraction of reinforcing particles resulted in significant increases in yield strength, stiffness, and wear resistance, while a significant decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion was achieved as compared with unreinforced aluminum alloys.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The tested metal matrix composite components included valve spring retainers, fuel pump pushrods, and transmission brake valves.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Valve spring retainers, weighing approximately 40% of comparable steel parts, were subjected to high speed testing for up to 16 hours (equivalent to running four 500 mile races) without showing any wear damage. Some wear damage was noted on the steel spring dampeners. This situation could be corrected by design or material changes. Improvements in retainer mechanical design or MMC strength are being investigated to survive testing under severe valve float conditions.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Fuel pump pushrods, weighing approximately 30% of comparable steel parts, were tested for 93 hours without detectable wear. Transmission brake valves were subjected to 25 start/stop cycles of dynamometer and vehicle testing. The valves successfully completed these tests with no evidence of wear.</div>
Related Papers
- → Effects of SiC contents on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al4SiC4–SiC ceramic composites(2023)6 cited
- → Nanocrystalline NiAl-TiC Composites Sintered by the Pulse Plasma Method(2006)1 cited
- → Effects of Graphene Transfer and Thermal Annealing on Anticorrosive Properties of Stainless Steel(2017)
- → Porous SiC Ceramics with Multiple Pore Structure Fabricated via Gelcasting and Solid State Sintering(2016)
- → Retracted: XRD Peak Profile Analysis of SiC Reinforced Al2O3 Ceramic Composite Synthesized by Electrical Resistance Heating and Microwave Sintering: A Comparison(2023)