Fabrication of Bio-Inspired Design Engineering Components by Powder Metallurgy

Antonyraj, A., Park, S. J., Thibaudeau, G., German, R., & Baldwin, B. (2008). Fabrication of Bio-Inspired Design Engineering Components by Powder Metallurgy. Bio-Inspired Design Conference, MSU, August 2008. Mississippi State.

Abstract

Our interest in the design of higher performance engineering materials generated an examination of how to mimic the complex microstructure of bamboo. The desire it so take advantage of the high compressive strength and flexibility using new composites manufacturing ideas. This research led us to undertake ferrous materials with the bio-inspired microstructure design derived from bamboo. The core channels rely on two different size hypodermic tubes, near 300 and 1650 m in diameter, followed by binding the smaller tubes within a larger tube using a mixture of iron and boron powder through a press and sinter process. It is expected that the addition of boron will facilitate the formation of boride precipitates and liquid below 1200C and establish a grain boundary network of iron-boron causing strengthening of the compacts. This work is further investigating the relationship between microstructure, mechanical behavior, and failure of these composites using scanning electron microscope and compression-tension testing. The overall consolidation of the results is modeled by using 3D finite element simulations which underpin the production of bamboo-like components in bio-inspired design.