Analyzing the Mechanical Properties and Characterization of Aluminium (ADC-14) Based Functionally Graded Materials (FGM)

Functionally Graded Materials are composite whose mechanical properties are graded according to the required function. The main objectives of this investigation are to analyze the characteristics of FGM. The matrix metal used is Aluminium Die Cast-14 (ADC-14). The reinforcements used is Silicon Nitride. Aluminium based Graded distribution of Silicon Nitride is obtained through Centrifugal casting as it is one of easy and cheapest method to fabricate. To study, the effect of size and percentage volume fraction of reinforcement, two different size i.e., 100 mu m and 50 mu m are chosen and 8 % and 12 % volume fraction of reinforcement were chosen. Centrifugal casting is done based on L4 orthogonal array. Post Fabrication, Microstructure test, Hardness test, tensile test and compression test were done to verify the gradation of FGM ring. It is found that the outer region is having higher hardness, ultimate tensile strength, compression strength in the outer periphery when compared with inner regions. Optical microscope is used to analyse the distribution of Si3N4 in the Al matrix. The concentration of Si3N4 is observed to be more in the outer periphery when compared with the inner region which ensures the graded distribution.