Composite peening - a novel processing technique for graded reinforced aluminiummatrix composites

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Kay A. Weidenmann
• Subject Area: Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes ; Coating and Surface Technology
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 290845127

Graded composites with ceramic particulate reinforcement have a high application potential for lightweight, wear-resistant and cyclically loaded structural components. Especially a high thermal stability of the surface hardening mechanisms can be achieved by use of ceramic reinforcement particles. At the moment, cost-effective manufacturing processes which allow a surface reinforcement in highly stressed areas for improving the mechanical properties are not existent. A novel reinforcing technology of near-surface areas of components based on the micro-shot peening process will be developed which allows the defined inserting of dispersoids and is called composite peening. With respect to this reinforcing process a modified micro-shot peening process shall be used to analyse the process-relevant variables, such as temperature, jet pressure, working distance and shot agent diameter, on pure Aluminium, AlSi12Mg and an AlSiMg alloy. Likewise post-treatment procedures for a further improvement of the mechanical properties shall be adapted and evaluated. The characterization of the manufactured material states represents the central aim of the project and is used for the evaluation of the composite peening process in comparison to conventional surface hardening processes and also serves to achieve a material understanding of graded composites. Residual stresses, microstructure, interface as well as the static and cyclic mechanical properties and the thermal stability of the hardening mechanisms will be investigated.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr.-Ing. Volker Schulze