Prediction of influence of process parameters on tensile strength of AA6061/TiC aluminum matrix composites produced using stir casting

Stir casting was used to produce AA6061/15%TiC (mass fraction) aluminum matrix composites (AMCs). An empirical relationship was developed to predict the effect of stir casting parameters on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of AA6061/TiC AMCs. A central composite rotatable design consisting of four factors and five levels was used to minimize the number of experiments, i.e., castings. The factors considered were stirring speed, stirring time, blade angle and casting temperature. The effect of those factors on the UTS of AA6061/TiC AMCs was derived using the developed empirical relationship and elucidated using microstructural characterization. Each factor significantly influenced the UTS. The variation in the UTS was attributed to porosity content, cluster formation, segregation of TiC particles at the grain boundaries and homogenous distribution in the aluminum matrix.