DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR LIQUID-ASSISTED SELF-HEALING
METALS
C. R. Fisher 1 , M. C. Wright 2, T. A. Wallace 3, and M. V. Manuel 1
1
Materials Science & Engineering Department, University of Florida, 549 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA – e-mail: cfisher@ufl.edu; mmanuel@mse.ufl.edu 2
National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899 USA – e-mail: m.clara.wright@nasa.gov
3
National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 23665 USA – e-mail: terryl.a.wallace@nasa.gov
Keywords: Metal-matrix, aluminum, systems design, thermodynamics ABSTRACT
Advanced metal-matrix composites reinforced with shape memory alloys (SMA) have the potential to demonstrate dramatic capabilities such as damage mitigation and repair. Investigations of liquid-assisted self-healing in metal-matrix composites have centered on developing a high specific-strength matrix possessing a low-melting eutectic for use as the healing material. A systems design approach motivated by thermodynamics was used to determine appropriate matrix alloying elements for increased strength while maintaining healing capabilities. Recent developments in aluminum-based alloys have shown potential healing across several ternary systems. This study will detail the prospective matrix alloy systems and establish the efficacy of the design approach through prediction of strength, fatigue properties, microstructure development, and SMA incorporation into the composite. In addition, improvements for future matrix alloy iterations will be outlined. This work has been supported by the National Science Foundation (CMMI-0824352) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NNX12AQ42G and NNX12AP71A).
