J Mater Sci Technol ›› 2009, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (03): 341-343.

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Weibull Probability Model for Fracture Strength of Aluminium (1101)-Alumina Particle Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite

A. Suresh Babu, V. Jayabalan   

  1. Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Anna University, Chennai-600025, India
  • Received:2008-07-04 Revised:2008-04-25 Online:2009-05-28 Published:2009-10-10
  • Contact: Suresh babu

Abstract:

In recent times, conventional materials are replaced by metal matrix composites (MMCs) due to their high specific strength and modulus. Strength reliability, one of the key factors restricting wider use of composite materials in various applications, is commonly characterized by Weibull strength distribution function. In the present work, statistical analysis of the strength data of 15% volume alumina particle (mean size 15 μm) reinforced in aluminum alloy (1101 grade alloy) fabricated by stir casting method was carried out using Weibull probability model. Twelve tension tests were performed according to ASTM B577 standards and the test data, the corresponding Weibull distribution was obtained. Finally the reliability of the composite behavior in terms of its fracture strength was presented to ensure the reliability of composites for suitable applications. An important implication of the present study is that the Weibull distribution describes the experimentally measured strength data more appropriately.

Key words: Weibull distribution, Fracture strength, Metal Matrix Composite