Modelling of Finite Element and Thermal Expansion analysis in Composites circular bars

Abstract

               Composite materials are being more frequently used in a wide variety of industries. Their high strength to weight ratio makes them a desirable material in many applications. In some specific cases, polymer based composites can be subjected to large changes in temperature causing undesirable amounts of expansion. To reduce the composite’s thermal expansion, materials that have negative coefficients of thermal expansion are used as a filler material. Aluminium Silicon Carbide is a metal oxide which exhibits thermal behaviours not seen in most other materials. When subjected to a positive temperature change, Alsic will decrease in volume as opposed to most other materials which show an increase in volume. This makes Alsic an ideal candidate to be used as filler material in these polymer composites to reduce their overall thermal expansion. This research looked at the finite element modelling of these composite materials and tried to gain a better understanding of their possibilities. In the models, the bond between the two was considered perfect, with no voids or separation, leading to the filler material having more effect on the overall properties of the composite. In this project, Aluminium Silicon Carbide (AlSiC), an aluminium matrix composite is used for  composite bars A 3D model was made using CATIA and finite element, Structural and thermal analysis was done on ANSYS AlSiC has better abrasion resistance, creep resistance, dimensional stability, exceptionally good stiffness-To-weight and strength-to-weight ratios and better high temperature performance.