Design and Fabrication of a Super Strong Aluminum Matrix Composite with Continuous Titanium-Based Reinforcements

Super strong lightweight aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were fabricated using selected laser melting (SLM) and micro-casting technology. The present AMCs show very high strength while maintaining a low density (e.g. sigma y = 1147 MPa, rho = 3.7 g/cm3). This break the trade-off dilemma of strength and density in traditional AMCs. The nano/micro/macro-scale hybrid reinforcement involved in the present AMCs is proved an effective strategy for enhancing strength of AMCs. An FEM model was built to analyze the mechanical behavior of AMCs during compression. The simulation results are essentially consistent with the experimental results. Computation-aided design shows promise in reducing the cost and duration of continuous aluminum matrix composites development.