Design and application of forming device for the thin-walled C_f/Mg composite component

Carbon fiber reinforced magnesium matrix composites (C_f/Mg) is lightweight yet very strong, therefore is a highly attractive material in aerospace applications. A well-designed forming device is critical to ensure good quality component. Two types of device design, namely internal localization and external localization, were proposed and analyzed. Numerical simulation of infiltration showed that the internal localization provided a better uniform infiltration than the external localization. The experimental implementation of results internal localization forming device produced good well surface quality and compact C_f/Mg composite components. Measurements showed the longitudinal microstructures are uniform and conducive to the excellent properties of C_f/Mg composites. The measured bending strength and elastic modulus is 367 MPa and 59 GPa respectively, or a 45.6% and 31.1% improvement compares with those of the casting AZ91D magnesium alloy.