Composite components formed with loose ceramic material

摘要

An apparatus and methods for controlling the location and distribution of loose ceramic particles in a ceramic metal composite component formed via casting. A retaining structure that may include loose ceramic particles is placed in a casting mold at a desired location for ceramic particles in the composite component prior to pouring molten metal into the casting mold. Alternatively, the loose ceramic particles may be introduced into the mold concurrently with the molten metal.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
securing a plurality of loose ceramic particles within a retaining structure in a casting mold, the retaining structure encloses the loose ceramic particles in at least two directions and is permeable to molten metal and impermeable by the ceramic particles, the secured plurality of loose ceramic particles having interstitial spaces between the ceramic particles such that the plurality of loose ceramic particles are unconstrained to each other; pouring a molten steel-alloy into the casting mold, the molten steel-alloy permeates the retaining structure and the interstitial spaces between the ceramic particles; and forming a solid composite component comprising the ceramic particles and a solidified steel-alloy, the solidified steel-alloy being formed by the cooling of the molten steel-alloy.