Experiment and simulation of SiC particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites fabricated by friction stir processing

The influence of the pre-implanted reinforced particles on the temperature field and the flow field of the processed zone directly determines the microstructure and properties of the aluminum matrix composites fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP). However, the differences in the characteristics of processed materials, especially the effect of pre-implanted reinforced particles on the flow of plastic materials, have rarely been reported. In this study, the temperature distribution of the processed zone was obtained by experimental measurement and numerical simulation. The model of the effect of the SiC particles as reinforced particles on the temperature field and the flow field of the processed zone was established. The influence of the SiC particles on the flow of plastic materials during the FSP was further investigated. The refinement, particle size, and distribution of the SiC particles in the processed zone of the FSPed multi-pass composites were also discussed in detail. The microhardness of the processed zone was also tested and discussed. The results showed that the temperature field at the contact interface between the SiC particles and the matrix in the processed zone was not continuously distributed. Due to the collision and hindrance of the reinforced SiC particles, the flow direction of plastic materials in the processed zone had been changed many times during the flow process. The initial average particle sizes of the SiC particles have a significant effect on the flow path of the processed plastic material. The microhardness of the processed zone of the FSPed specimens is significantly higher than that of the matrix.