Effects of using hiduminium/corundum particulate composites as substitute materials for blade manipulators

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental study of the mechanical and aerodynamic properties of blade manipulators made of as-cast and wrought (hot extruded) hiduminium/corundum particulate composites. The results show that as the corundum content is increased, the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and compressive strength increase remarkably, whereas the ductility and the fracture toughness drop significantly. Hot extrusion improves the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), compressive strength, and even the ductility, whereas the fracture toughness is decreased. Aerodynamic tests show negligible effects when these composites are used as substitutes for steel in blade manipulators.