Development of automotive components locally reinforced with metal matrix composite inserts

Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) based on aluminum alloys are currently one of the most interesting alternatives, due to their high performance level, for different commercial applications. The main objective of this work is the development of locally reinforced automotive components where the MMC insert is located in the areas where the level of performance needed is higher than that offered by conventional materials. In this way, the production of competitive products with a high performance level will be possible in which only concrete areas, mainly those in need of a high wear resistance, of the part are reinforced. Two conventional foundry technologies have been previously selected (High Pressure Die Casting and Low Pressure Casting), that are known to be largely competitive. Likewise, two different kinds of MMC inserts have been initially considered, inserts made of AllSiC_p commercial MMCs and inserts mode of porous preforms, for the fabrication of two different automotive components: a clutch disc and a ventilated brake disc.