A reliability based stress–life evaluation of aluminium–graphite particulate composites

Fatigue tests were conducted on sand cast aluminium–graphite composite specimens on Rotating Beam Fatigue Testing Machine with three different stress levels. Aluminium–graphite (LM 25–5% graphite) composite was processed by closed mould sand casting method. Three-stress level fatigue test program was planned for carrying out fatigue experiments. Three different stress levels selected for fatigue experiments were a fraction of ultimate tensile strength. Statistical design of fatigue experiments was carried out to determine the sample size at each stress level. Experimental results are presented in the form of stress–life (S–N) curves and reliability–stress–life (R–S–N) curves, which are helpful for designers. The S–N curve of the aluminium–graphite composite was compared with its matrix alloy LM 25. Comparison revealed that the fatigue behaviour of the aluminium–graphite composite is superior to that of the matrix alloy.