Abstract: To study particle segregation phenomena and predict the final performance of particle reinforced metal matrix composite, the microstructure of SiC particle reinforced Al-Si composite made by stir casting is simulated based on the experiment. Two-dimensional models under normal solidification condition including macro heat transfer, nucleation, equiaxed dendrite growth and particle pushing are established and com-posite microstructures are simulated by a modified cellular automaton method coupled with finite difference method. A simple method is applied for quantitatively analyzing the effects of different casting processes, particle volume fraction and cooling rate on composite microstructure and particle distri- bution from both experimental and simulated sides. The simu- lated results of particle distribution and microstructures of composite are in agreement with the experimental results.

Key words: Metal matrix composite, Microstructure, Numerical simulation, Particle pushing, Quantitative assessment