Local elastic moduli of particle-filled B83 babbitt-based composite materials prepared by powder metallurgy techniques

Abstract

We have measured local elastic moduli of particle-filled B83 babbitt-matrix composite materials produced by powder metallurgy techniques and containing silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic and modified shungite rock particles as fillers. The measurements were made by an optoacoustic laser method, whose basic principle is to determine the phase velocities of thermo-optically excited longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves. The addition of 3 wt % of high-modulus SiC particles tends to increase the Young’s and shear moduli (by 10–12%) and decrease Poisson’s ratio (by 5%) relative to a hot-pressed B83 babbitt sample without fillers.