Fluid-Structural Interaction Analysis of the MMC-Thixoforging Process
High mechanical properties in combination with low density are key features for lightweight constructions in automotive and aerospace applications. The combination between the innovative thixoforging process and the potential of fibre or particle strengthened composites with metallic matrices (MMCs) provides an efficient manufacturing process of structural components with continuous or gradient reinforcements. The scope of the Center of Competence for Casting and Thixoforging Stuttgart (CCT) contains new semi-solid manufacturing methods for metal matrix composites which have been developed and applied for patent pending. While previous research projects were focussed on fabrication of continuous fibre reinforced metal matrix composites, the local reinforcement insertion, located in the center of high force and torsion load zones, is going to be the next evolution step of the CCT research team. Therefore it is essential to verify, to simulate and to reproduce the process during infiltration of the semi-sold matrix metal into the textile layer experimentally. This paper illustrates investigations regarding the infiltration process of the thixotropic cast-alloys AlSi7Mg0.3 (A365) into laminated fibre woven fabrics by computational fluid dynamics and fluid-structure interaction analysis, taking account into specific manufacturing technology, the rheological behaviour of the alloy with special focus on infiltration behavior.