Enhanced energy absorption in heat treated SS304 in FILL/AL6061 composites: novel structural design for offshore applications

ABSTRACT In-fill aluminum bar is a lightweight product with high energy absorption, weight ratio, and mechanical, chemical, and physical qualities. Al6061 bar in-filled with Stainless Steel Structure (SSS) is mould cast to test its flexural response. The experimental investigation has two stages: the first predicts the binding ability between the Stainless Steel (rod & wire) core and aluminium, and the second estimates flexural, pull-out, and compression properties to ensure fit. Pull-out and SEM tests evaluate SS304 rod and wire reinforced with AL6061 matrix binding. Secondary evaluations of SSS-filled composites use several material characterisation methods. MIG is used to wire and rod-form SS304 in-fill structures. The mechanical properties of wired and rod-in-fill SSS with aluminum bar have been experimentally examined. After heat treatment, the rectangular bar’s energy absorption and flexural strength improved. SEM examination is used for micro and macroscopic analyses to show the in-fill structure’s role in the aluminum matrix. Higher flexural strength of about 1559.5 MPa is attained after heat treatment process for perforated small hole specimen with energy absorption rate of 988.5 J on comparing other specimens. Finally, in-fill structure with aluminum bar outperforms higher than raw Al6061 alloy.