Surface properties in ultrasonic vibration assisted turning of particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites

Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) consist of a comparatively soft aluminium alloy and hard ceramic particles. Due to their elevated properties, these materials are used for high-performance lightweight constructional components. Applications in tribologically loaded systems often require a defined friction behaviour, which can be gained by an appropriate microstructuring of the surface. Experimental investigations in turning of AA2124 with 25 % volume proportion of SiC particles have shown that an ultrasonic vibration assistance enables the generation of a microstructured surface in finish cutting without any additive process. Furthermore, an ultrasonic vibration assistance in the radial direction or in the cutting direction respectively leads to stronger compressive residual stresses in the surface layer, which increases the fatigue strength of the components.