Effect of acoustic cavitation on ease of infiltration of molten aluminum alloys into carbon fiber bundles using ultrasonic infiltration method

Continuous M40J carbon fiber reinforced aluminum-magnesium alloy composite wires have been fabricated using ultrasonic infiltration. The infiltration phenomenon is examined from the viewpoint of acoustic cavitation. The ease of infiltration of the molten alloys was found to be proportional to the maximum intensity of the acoustic cavitation. The ease of infiltration and the intensity were enhanced by the addition of surfactant elements into the molten aluminum. Thus, a decrease in surface tension caused an increase in the generation of acoustic cavitation thereby resulting in infiltration. Therefore, the generation of the acoustic cavitation is an infiltration controlling factor during the use of ultrasonic vibration.