Metal matrix composites (MMCs) combine metal matrices with reinforcing fibers, offering tailored performance for pitot probes. Aluminum-based and titanium-based MMCs differ significantly in strength, weight, and cost, making each suitable for specific applications.5-Hole Pitotwelcome to click on the website to learn more!
Aluminum-based MMCs (e.g., Al-SiC) have a density of 2.7-3.0 g/cm?? (30% lighter than steel) and good thermal conductivity, ideal for low-temperature heat exchanger flow tests. Their tensile strength (400-600 MPa) exceeds pure aluminum, with better resistance to deformation in moderate turbulence. A HVAC system test found Al-SiC probes maintained shape 2x longer than pure aluminum probes in 80m/s airflow.
Titanium-based MMCs (e.g., Ti-SiC) offer higher strength (800-1000 MPa) and temperature resistance (up to 600°C) but at 1.5x the cost of aluminum MMCs. They excel in aerospace applications, where a Ti-SiC probe in a jet engine inlet test showed 50% less creep than a pure titanium probe at 500°C.
Fatigue resistance is another differentiator. Titanium MMCs withstand 10?? load cycles without failure, making them suitable for vibrating environments like turbine testing, while aluminum MMCs fatigue after 10?? cycles.
Cost-effectiveness favors aluminum MMCs for low-temperature, low-stress scenarios (e.g., automotive testing), where their 30% lower cost than titanium MMCs outweighs performance differences. For high-temperature, high-stress applications, titanium MMCs justify the premium with superior durability.