This book will include papers on recent research carried out in the field of metal-matrix composites (MMCs). Processing, microstructure, and mechanical properties of MMCs and unreinforced matrix alloys will be covered with a focus on aluminum, titanium, nickel, and copper MMCs. Those involved in the research of MMCs and unreinforced alloys, particularly in aerospace, space, and automotive materials research, will find this volume indispensible. From Materials Science & Technology 2003 to be held in Chicago, Illinois, November 9-12, 2003.

This proceedings volume will contain papers based on original work in metal-matrix composites for high performance applications. The purpose of the symposium is to discuss the technical challenges pertaining to high performance applications, and it will cover all relevant aspects of MMC technology such as selection/development of a suitable matrix alloy, processing techniques, microstructural characterization, and mechanical properties. Issues related to aerospace and space applications of MMCs will be emphasized, while processing, strengthening mechanisms, and properties issues will also be discussed. From the 2001 TMS Fall Meeting, which was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 4-8, 2001.

This collection brings together engineers, scientists, scholars, and entrepreneurs to present their novel and innovative contributions in the domain specific to metal-matrix composites and on aspects specific to processing, characterization, mechanical behavior, measurements, failure behavior, and kinetics governing microstructural influences on failure by fracture. Topics include but are not limited to: • Metals and metal-matrix composites • Nano-metal based composites • Intermetallic-based composites Contributions in the above topics connect to applications in industry-relevant areas: automotive; nuclear and clean energy; aerospace; failure analysis; biomedical and healthcare; and heavy equipment, machinery, and goods.

In the last few years, a significant increase in applications of MMCs has taken place, particularly in the areas of automotive, aerospace, electronics, and recreation. These include continuous fiber reinforced MMCs for cables in power transmission, high temperature superconducting wires, particulate MMCs in civilian aircraft and automotive applications, and high volume fraction, high thermal conductivity substrates for electronic packaging. Nevertheless, as with any novel material systems, there is a lack of fundamental understanding on the part of practicing engineers and designers. This book would seek to address these issues, in a thorough and cohesive manner, as well as to provide students and scientists with a basic understanding of MMCs. This book will emphasize the synergistic relationships among processing, structure, and properties of metal matrix composites.

In the fall of 1998, Prof. Sergey Firstov invited me to the Frantcevych Institute for Problems of Materials Science (IPMS) in Kyiv, Ukraine to discuss possible collaborations in the area of advanced metals research. During this visit, a strong mutual interest was evident in a broad range of structural metals technologies, and a quick friendship was established. Countless subsequent emails and a reciprocal visit to the U. S Air Force Research Laboratory by Prof. Firstov and a team of scientists from IPMS ensued to discuss and detail a broad collaboration in the area of structural metals. Two years after the initial visit, a major investment by the U. S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) was established to pursue the technologies defined by these interactions. The annual reviews of the AFOSR Ukrainian Metals Initiative were held in late May, a most beautiful time in Kyiv when the lilacs are in bright display and the air is scented with the smell of falling blossoms from the chestnut trees that line the major streets and many parks. The sunny days and mild evenings provide a welcome break from winter, and on weekend evenings festive crowds spill onto the Khreshchatyk, Kyiv’s downtown boulevard, to listen to street musicians, watch jugglers and comedians, or simply to celebrate with friends. The annual reviews featured long days of intensive discussion of technical progress, followed in the evenings by the warm hospitality of the Ukrainian hosts.

Military use of advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC)â€"consisting of a resin matrix reinforced by high-performance carbon or organic fibersâ€"while extensive, accounts for less that 10 percent of the domestic market. Nevertheless, advanced composites are expected to play an even greater role in future military systems, and DOD will continue to require access to reliable sources of affordable, high-performance fibers including commercial materials and manufacturing processes. As a result of these forecasts, DOD requested the NRC to assess the challenges and opportunities associated with advanced PMCs with emphasis on high-performance fibers. This report provides an assessment of fiber technology and industries, a discussion of R&D opportunities for DOD, and recommendations about accelerating technology transition, reducing costs, and improving understanding of design methodology and promising technologies.

Machining processes play an important role in the manufacture of a wide variety of components. While the processes required for metal components are well-established, they cannot always be applied to composite materials, which instead require new and innovative techniques. Machining technology for composite materials provides an extensive overview and analysis of both traditional and non-traditional methods of machining for different composite materials. The traditional methods of turning, drilling and grinding are discussed in part one, which also contains chapters analysing cutting forces, tool wear and surface quality. Part two covers non-traditional methods for machining composite materials, including electrical discharge and laser machining, among others. Finally, part three contains chapters that deal with special topics in machining processes for composite materials, such as cryogenic machining and processes for wood-based composites. With its renowned editor and distinguished team of international contributors, Machining technology for composite materials is an essential reference particularly for process designers and tool and production engineers in the field of composite manufacturing, but also for all those involved in the fabrication and assembly of composite structures, including the aerospace, marine, civil and leisure industry sectors. Provides an extensive overview of machining methods for composite materials Chapters analyse cutting forces, tool wear and surface quality Cryogenic machining and processes for wood based composites are discussed