The mechanical characteristics of metal matrix composites (MMC) and the fact that they can be employed in the casting, forging and extrusion of rough parts make them suitable for several applications in the automotive industry. They are lighter than conventional materials, and the weight savings they offer are translated into better performance and lower fuel consumption, and hence less pollution. Several car parts could be made by MMC without major design changes. One example is the brake disk. This paper examines the possibility of replacing cast iron disks by MMC disks in a medium-size world car. The first part deals with the manufacturing side, and the results of preliminary turning tests conducted of four MMCs are discussed, while in the second the questions of energy consumption and impact on the environment are assessed in the light of a life cycle analysis.
Employment of metal matrix composites in automotive industry: A case study
Einsatz von Metallmatrix-Verbundwerkstoffen in der Automobilindustrie: Eine Fallstudie
1996
8 Seiten, 13 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 20 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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