3-Dimensional Microstructural Evaluation of Wear-Induced Layer in Al–Al₃Ti Functionally Graded Materials by Serial Sectioning

Abstract

The wear behavior of Al–Al₃Ti functionally graded materials (FGMs) ring was investigated by 3-dimensional microstructural observations. The Al–Al₃Ti FGMs ring was cast which contained platelet-shaped Al₃Ti particles. The plane normal of the particles was parallel to the radial direction of the ring. The wear resistance of the Al–Al₃Ti FGMs ring depended on the sliding direction of the wear tests because of the anisotropic distribution of the Al₃Ti platelet particles. A wear-induced layer with a fine microstructure was formed just below the worn surface, and the formation behavior of the layer also depended on the sliding direction. However, the equivalent Hencky strain required to form the wear-induced layer was about 5, regardless of sliding direction. The anisotropy of the wear resistance in the Al–Al₃Ti FGMs ring and the formation behavior of the wear-induced layer were explained by the shear strain distribution on the worn surface.