Abstract

Metal matrix composites have been shown to exhibit an increase in strength with increased aspect ratio of the reinforcing particles. In this work, varying aspect ratios of amorphous Ni-W alloy particles synthesized by mechanical alloying (in a SPEX mill) are used to reinforce a crystalline nickel phase. Variation in aspect ratio is produced by varying the blending time of the amorphous reinforcement particles and nickel powders in an attritor mill at room temperature, prior to compaction. The powders are compacted using a combustion driven compaction device that utilizes controlled release of energy from the combustion of natural gas. Here, the effectiveness of the SPEX and attritor mills in producing the desired particles, as well as the science behind these methods, will be discussed.

 

Biography

Andrew Zeagler received his B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering in 2006 from Michigan Technological University. While an undergraduate, he spent the summer of 2005 as a guest researcher in the School of Materials Engineering at Purdue University. He is currently pursuing his M.S. degree under the direction of Dr. Alex Aning, working in the area of amorphous reinforced metal matrix composites.