Microstructural Characteristics of Underwater Shock Consolidated Aluminum Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer extra strength and high temperature capabilities in comparison with unreinforced metals. Aluminum composites possess higher stiffness, strength, fatigue properties and low weight advantages.Carbon fiber reinforced Al composites (Al-Cf) and silicon carbide particulate reinforced Al composites (Al-SiCp) were shock densified using axisymmetric assemblies for underwater explosions. Unidirectional planar shock waves were applied to obtain uniform consolidation of the composites. The energy generator was a high explosive of 6.9 km/s detonation velocity. Irregular morphological powders of Al were the base material. The reinforcement ratio was 15 Vol. pct for Al-Cf composites and 30 Vol. pct for Al-SiCp composites. The microstructural and the strength characteristics of the shock consolidated Al composites are reported.