Friction and Wear Behavior of 2-D and 3-D Fiber Reinforced Metal-Matrix Composites

Abstract

An experimental characterization of the abrasive wear behavior of three-dimensionally braided alumina fiber/Al-Li composites has been presented. The friction and wear properties of the braided composite have been compared with those of unidirectional alumina fiber/Ali-Li composite and the unreinforced matrix material. The effects of fiber volume fraction, fiber orientation, contact pressure, and the abrasive particle size on the rate and mechanism of wear as well as the coefficient of friction of composites have been examined.