Investigation of the buckling behavior of a control arm with Si particle reinforced aluminum based metal composite material

Abstract

Control arms are subjected to static and dynamic loads in car during their lifetime. Recent increases in loads in which control arms are subjected, are not complying with the low-weight design targets expected by auto makers. In this study, buckling behavior of control arms which have been produced with Si particle reinforced aluminum based metal composite material have been investigated and compared with the performance of control arms that are produced with standard aluminum alloy. The results revealed that mechanical properties of control arm housings with 10% Sip MMC material are lower than standard 6110 alloy due to different process parameters. Elasticity of modulus of control arm housings with 10% Sip MMC material are approximately 7% higher than standard aluminum alloys. Buckling results of control arms with 10% Sip MMC material are around 25% lower that control arms with standard 6110 alloy. Also, a second darker phase was found in the microstructure.