Finite element analysis of LM25/SiC composites for enhanced strength in automotive components

Presently, Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) are extensively utilized in automotive and aerospace industries owing to its remarkable properties. Among various aluminium alloys, LM25 is a potential material for the production of automobile parts. Silicon Carbide (SiC) particulate is the most popular reinforcement for composite development owing to its diversified characteristics. The present study deals with Finite Element (FE) computational analysis of LM25/SiC composites for mechanical properties, particularly for strength. A computational analysis was carried out in ANSYS 2022 software on ASTM E8 test specimens. Impacts of various volume percentages of SiC particles (i.e. 1, 3, 5, and7 Vol%) on maximum induced stress, shear stress and deformation were studied. Analysis revealed that composites developed with 3vol% SiC with LM25 maximum stress induced were 8.10% less than the base alloy LM25, 46.52% less deformation with respect to LM25, and 10.02% less shear stress compared to LM25 was observed. Hence, LM25 reinforced with 3Vol% SiC found to be optimum in terms of strength aspects, which may applicable for applications in automobile parts manufacturing.