Abstract
Damping characteristics of A356 alloy and its composites reinforced with 15 vol% SiC particles were investigated using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. Tests were done at three different temperatures 150 °C, 200 °C and 300 °C to study the influence of microstructural changes during recovery and recrystallization on the damping behaviour. Since recovery and recrystallization also depend on the heating rate, damping tests were done at slow (2 °C/min) and fast (10 °C/min) heating rates. The damping characteristics were explained with respect to the microstructure changes that took place during recovery and recrystallization.