Aluminium Matrix Composites for Aerospace Applications

Discontinuously reinforced aluminium alloys are manufactured through a mechanical alloying process to produce a metal composite (MMC) with a fine, uniform and dispersed micron to sub-micron silicon carbide reinforcement. MMC materials tailored for the aerospace industry have been characterised in forged, rolled and extruded product forms showing a combination of high modulus, strength, ductility and low density.  This paper will review the tensile, fatigue and fracture toughness properties of several MMC materials and an update on AMS specifications will be given.