Grey-fuzzy algorithm to optimise machining parameters in drilling of hybrid metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are difficult to machine due to their abrasive properties. With the projected widespread application of MMCs, it is necessary to develop an appropriate technology for their effective machining. The present investigation focuses on finding the optimal machining parameters setting in drilling of hybrid aluminium metal matrix composites using the grey-fuzzy algorithm. This proposed algorithm, coupling the grey relational analysis with the fuzzy logic, obtains a grey-fuzzy reasoning grade to evaluate the multiple performance characteristics according to the grey relational coefficient of each performance characteristics. The Taguchi method of experimental design is a widely accepted technique used for producing high quality products at low cost, therefore a L₂₇ 3-level orthogonal array is used for the experiments. The optimisation of multiple responses in complex processes is common; therefore, to reduce the degree of uncertainty during the decision making, fuzzy rule-based reasoning is integrated with the Taguchi’s method. The response table, response graph and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to find the optimal setting and the influence of machining parameters on the multiple performance characteristics. Experimental results have shown that the required performance characteristics in the drilling process are improved by using this approach.     

Study on mechanical properties of fly ash impregnated glass fiber reinforced polymer composites using mixture design analysis

This paper describes the mechanical behavior of fly ash impregnated E-glass fiber reinforced polymer composite (GFRP). Initially the proportion of fiber and resin were optimized from the analysis of the mechanical properties of the GFRP. It is observed that the 30 wt% of E-glass in the GFRP without filler material yields better results. Then, based on the optimized value of resin content, the varying percentage of E-glass and fly ash was added to fabricate the hybrid composites. Results obtained in this study were mathematically evaluated using Mixture Design Method. Predictions show that 10 wt% addition of fly ash with fiber improves the mechanical properties of the composites. The fly ash impregnated GFRP yields significant improvement in mechanical strength compared to the GFRP without filler material. The surface morphologies of the fractured specimens were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The chemical composition and surface morphology of the fly ash is analyzed by using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscope.     

Comparative analysis of wear behavior of garnet and fly ash reinforced Al7075 hybrid composite

Al7075 hybrid composites reinforced with varying weight percentage (0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%) of each of garnet and fly ash were fabricated and characterized for their comparative wear assessment. The sliding wear test was conducted on a reciprocating tribometer in dry medium under the working conditions of applied normal load (2 N, 4 N, 6 N, 8 N), sliding velocities (0.04 m/s, 0.08 m/s, 0.12 m/s, 0.16 m/s), sliding distance (20 m, 40 m, 60 m, 80 m) and working temperature (25 °C, 50 °C, 75 °C, 100 °C). The experiments were performed as per steady‐state condition and Taguchi (L₂₅) orthogonal array design to evaluate specific wear rate of the Al7075 hybrid composites. The finding of results indicated that the wear rate was decreased with the increase in the filler content in both the case of garnet and fly ash reinforced Al7075 hybrid composites. The results from Taguchi experiments suggested that the filler content and load were the most significant factors affecting wear behavior of composites while temperature and sliding distance are the least significant factors. Also, the garnet reinforced Al7075 hybrid composite indicated less specific wear rate as compared to that of fly ash reinforced Al7075 hybrid composite.     

Investigation of multiple process parameters in abrasive water jet machining of tiles

This paper discusses the optimization of an abrasive water jet machining process with multiple characteristics, using the Taguchi orthogonal array and grey relational analysis (GRA). The machining process variables, such as mesh size, nozzle diameter, abrasive flow rate, water pressure, stand-off distance, and feed rate, were optimized with respect to multiple performance characteristics, namely, the surface roughness and the kerf angle. Experiments were performed using an L₁₈ orthogonal array, and the optimum machining process variables were determined, using GRA. Analysis of variance was used to identify the most significant factor in the machining performance. A confirmatory test was performed to verify the improvement of the performance characteristics. The microstructure of the machined surfaces was also examined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that the surface roughness and kerf angle were minimized under optimal machining conditions.     

Drilling of Composites Using Tools of Polycrystalline Superhard Materials

The advantages of using tools of polycrystalline superhard materials for drilling workpieces of fiber reinforced composites are shown. The results of a comparative quality assessment of holes produced by high-speed steel drill bits and polycrystalline diamond inserted drill bits are discussed. The polycrystalline diamond inserted drill bits have been found to provide high-quality drilling of fiber reinforced composite materials.     

Corrosion investigation of zinc−aluminum alloy matrix (ZA-27) reinforced with alumina (Al2O3) and fly ash

In this study, zinc?aluminum alloy (ZA-27) matrix composites reinforced by different weight fractions of fly ash or alumina (Al₂O₃) were produced using the traditional stir casting technique. The corrosion behaviors of both unreinforced alloy and reinforced composites were examined using direct current polarization (DCP) test in a simulated sea solution (3.5 wt.% NaCl). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) were used to examine the morphology of the composites’ surface before and after corrosion tests. The results of corrosion revealed that reinforcing ZA-27 alloy by fly ash or Al₂O₃ particles decreases its tendency to uniform corrosion due to the formation of weak microgalvanic couple between matrix and reinforcement particles. The fly ash and alumina (Al₂O₃) particles have protected the matrix material from pits formation at early stage of polarization. However, once these pits are formed, they grow faster. Positive hysteresis of the polarization curves implies that the salt layer breakdown and matrix dissolution overshadow surface passivation during the reverse scan. The electrochemical results are consistent with the pits’ morphology of the corroded composite. Composites with fly ash reinforcements have autocatalytic pits, whereas composites with alumina (Al₂O₃) reinforcements have shallow pits.     

Delamination and Surface Roughness Analyses in Drilling Hybrid Carbon/Glass Composite

Previous attempts at drilling of fibrous composites have been challenging due to the limited mechanical properties and presence of severe delamination damage at the top and bottom surfaces of the drilled hole. With the recent introduction of hybrid carbon/glass fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP) composites in both research literature and industrial applications, the need for evaluating their drillability is inevitable prior to their final usage. This is mainly because of the unique properties of HFRP composites as compared to the single-type FRP composites. Therefore, this paper aims to present a research initiative that will elucidate the high-range parametric effects of drilling control factors on delamination damage and surface quality. Taguchi methodology and statistical analysis of variance were applied to determine the performance of the drilling process. Experimental results revealed that delamination damage and surface quality values were strongly influenced by the feed and special tool geometries rather than the spindle rotational speed. Changes in the feed are likely to contribute to increase in the thrust force and strain rate on the workpiece. Confirmation tests have shown the closeness of the calculated values via a regression model and additive rule with the experimental values. This indicates that the regression model from the response surface can be employed to estimate delamination damage and surface roughness during drilling of HFRP composite.     

Drilling analysis of coir-fibre-reinforced polyester composites

An investigation has been carried out to make use of coir, a natural fibre abundantly available in India. Coir-polyester composites were prepared and their mechanical and machinability characteristics were studied. The short coir-fibre-reinforced composites exhibited the tensile, flexural and impact strength of 16·1709 MPa, 29·2611 MPa and 46·1740 J/m, respectively. The regression equations were developed and optimized for studying drilling characteristics of coir-polyester composites using the Taguchi approach. A drill bit diameter of 6 mm, spindle speed of 600 rpm and feed rate of 0·3 mm/rev gave the minimum value of thrust force, torque and tool wear in drilling analysis.     

Influence of drilling process parameters on hybrid vinyl ester composite

In the modern world, the use of hybrid composite becomes unavoidable. They have their unique and tailor-made properties which makes them suitable for many engineering and industrial applications. But the restriction on the use of composites arises during machining of these composites. Unlike conventional materials, machining of composites is a tedious process due to their anisotropic nature. In the current research work, the prepared high strength hybrid composite is subjected to one of the important machining process say drilling and the process parameters are optimized for the multiple output characteristics namely delamination, torque and thrust force. Taguchi technique aided with grey relational analysis is used for optimization purpose. From the experimental outcome, it is clear that the machining characteristics can be improved at optimum machining conditions. And it is also found that the diameter of the drill has the major effect on the output characteristics.     

Effects of fiber–matrix interaction on multiple cracking performance of polymeric fiber reinforced cementitious composites

The effects of polymeric fiber addition on the multiple cracking performance of composites have been investigated. For this purpose, cement-based matrices incorporating fly ash and a latex emulsion have been designed. Prismatic samples have been prepared and subjected to four-point bending load. The load-midpoint deflection curves and crack patterns have been determined. Meanwhile, flexural strength and relative toughness values have been calculated. Finally, the number of visible cracks formed throughout the testing period has been analyzed.Test results showed that the toughening improvement mechanisms of PP and PVA fibers in a cement-based matrix are extremely different and matrix modifications significantly change the multiple cracking performance. The addition of a latex emulsion in a weak matrix decreased the multiple cracking tendency of PP fiber reinforced composites. However, the same modification attempt improved the multiple cracking capacity of weak matrix in case of PVA fiber reinforcement. The possible causes of this performance improvement have been discussed with the aid of microstructure investigations.     

Study of delamination in drilling carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) using design experiments

In this paper is presented a new comprehensive approach to select cutting parameters for damage-free drilling in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite material. The approach is based on a combination of Taguchi’s techniques and on the analysis of variance (ANOVA). A plan of experiments, based on the techniques of Taguchi, was performed drilling with cutting parameters prefixed in an autoclave carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminate. The ANOVA is employed to investigate the cutting characteristics of CFRP’s using high speed steel (HSS) and Cemented Carbide (K10) drills. The objective was to establish a correlation between cutting velocity and feed rate with the delamination in a CFRP laminate. The correlation was obtained by multiple linear regression. Finally, confirmation tests were performed to make a comparison between the results foreseen from the mentioned correlation.     

玄武岩格栅增强水泥基复合材料单轴拉伸力学性能试验及本构关系模型

考虑玄武岩纤维增强树脂合物基复合材料(BFRP)格栅层数和水泥基复合材料(ECC)配比等因素,对BFRP增强大掺量粉煤灰/矿粉ECC棒骨试件进行了静力单轴拉伸试验,研究掺加增强粉煤灰/矿粉ECC的抗拉力学性能。结合试验数据,基于Richard和Abbot的弹塑性应力-应变公式提出掺加增强ECC的应力-应变本构关系模型。试验结果表明:随着掺加层数的增加,格栅增强ECC的极限抗拉强度显著增大。同配合比掺矿粉制成的ECC抗压强度、开裂应变及应力高于掺粉煤灰制成的ECC。掺加增强掺矿粉ECC试件相对掺粉煤灰ECC试件具有较好的抗拉力学性能。计算结果表明,建立的单轴受拉本构关系模型可以有效地预测掺加增强ECC的应力-应变关系和极限抗拉强度。     

Studies on fly ash/coir/sugarcane reinforced epoxy polymer matrix composite

In the past years studies were conducted on natural fibre reinforced polymer composites to observe their mechanical properties in order to decide their industrial applications. These composites have already been used in many applications from aerospace to sporting equipment. These green composites can be used as a replacement for synthetic composites. This is because the natural fibres are eco-friendly, biodegradable, renewable, etc. In this work, an attempt is made to reinforce fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre with epoxy polymer matrix. Central composite design under response surface methodology (RSM), one of the approaches of design of experiments (DOE) is used to determine optimum sample preparation conditions of fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre. Both tensile and flexural (three-point bending) tests are conducted on these fabricated composites to determine their materialistic characteristics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out using Minitab software to find the influence of fly ash, coir fibre, sugarcane fibre on composites. Regression equations obtained from analysis of variance is used to calculate values. Experimental and calculated values are compared and their error % are calculated and tabulated. Response surface optimization study is carried to find the optimized parameters of composites. It is observed that, increase in wt.% of coir fibre and decrease in wt.% of fly ash and sugarcane fibre, increases yield stress and these parameters have mixed impact on ultimate tensile stress. The addition of fly ash, coir fibre and sugarcane fibre in low percentages increases Young's modulus. Increase in wt.% of fly ash and coir fibre and decrease in wt.% of sugarcane, increases flexural modulus and flexural stress.     

Analysis of delamination in drilling glass fiber reinforced polyester composites

Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite materials are finding increased application in aeronautical, automobile and structural applications. Drilling is a complex process, owing to their tendency to delaminate is used to join composite structures. In the present work, an attempt has been made to develop empirical relationships between the drilling parameters such as fiber orientation angle, tool feed rate, rotational speed and tool diameter with respect to delamination in drilling of GFR–polyester composites. The empirical relationship has been developed by using response surface methodology. The developed model can be effectively used to predict the delamination in drilling of GFRP composites within the factors and their limits are studied. The result indicated that the increase in feed rate and drill diameter increases the delamination size whereas there is no clear effect is observed for fiber orientation angle. The spindle speed shows only little effect on delamination in drilling of GFR–Polyester composites.     

Mechanical and abrasive wear characterization of bidirectional and chopped E-glass fiber reinforced composite materials

Bi-directional and chopped E-glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites are fabricated in five different (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35) wt% in an epoxy resin matrix. The mechanical characterization of these composites is performed. The three body abrasive wear behavior of fabricated composites has been assessed under different operating conditions. Abrasive wear characteristics of these composites are successfully analysed using Taguchi’s experimental design scheme and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results obtained from these experiments are also validated against existing microscopic models of Ratner-Lancaster and Wang. It is observed that quite good linear relationships is held between specific wear rate and reciprocal of ultimate strength and strain at tensile fracture of these composites which is an indicative that the experimental results are in fair agreement with these existing models. Out of all composites fabricated it is found that tensile strength of bi-directional E-glass fiber reinforced composites increases because of interface strength enhancement. Chopped glass fiber reinforced composites are observed to perform better than bi-directional glass fiber reinforced composites under abrasive wear situations. The morphology of worn composite specimens has been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand about dominant wear mechanisms.     

Multiple Performance Optimization of Machining Parameters on the Machining of GFRP Composites Using Carbide (K10) Tool

The present investigation focuses on the multiple performance machining characteristics of GFRP composites produced through filament winding. Grey relational analysis was used for the optimization of the machining parameters on machining GFRP composites using carbide (K10) tool. According to the Taguchi quality concept, a L27, 3-level orthogonal array was chosen for the experiments. The machining parameters namely work piece fiber orientation, cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and machining time have been optimized based on the multiple performance characteristics including material removal rate, tool wear, surface roughness and specific cutting pressure. Experimental results have shown that machining performance in the composite machining process can be improved effectively by using this approach.     

Al2O3f+Cf/ZL109混杂复合材料钻削加工性的研究

利用挤压铸造法制备了Al₂O_3f+C_f/ZL109短纤维混杂金属基复合材料,并进行了钻削加工试验研究。考察了Al₂O₃短纤维和C短纤维含量、纤维位向、钻削速度及进给量对钻削力、刀具磨损和钻削精度的影响,并进行了分析。结果表明:以刀具磨损作为衡量标准,该混杂复合材料的钻削加工性次于基体合金。      

Investigations on Drilling of Bidirectional Cotton Polyester Composite

Cotton fiber composites are currently used in the interior parts of automobiles, insulation boards, fiber boards, and various parts of high-friction mechanical assemblies. These composites are subjected to machining operations. Drilling is an indispensable machining operation for assembly of different parts. The present work aimed to carry out experimental and analytical investigations on drilling of bidirectional cotton polyester composite. Influence of feed, spindle speed, and drill point angle on machining characteristics like thrust force, torque, and delamination factor was studied by conducting experiments derived from Taguchi's L27 orthogonal array. To determine the significance of each drilling process parameters and their interactions, analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was conducted. Modeling of drilling parameters was carried out through multiple regression analysis and their optimization for minimizing cutting forces and machining induced damage was carried out using signal to noise ratio analysis.     

Synthesis of fly ash particle reinforced A356 Al composites and their characterization

A356 Al–fly ash particle composites were fabricated using stir-cast technique and hot extrusion. Composites containing 6 and 12 vol.% fly ash particles were processed. Narrow size range (53–106 μm) and wide size range (0.5–400 μm) fly ash particles were used. Hardness, tensile strength, compressive strength and damping characteristics of the unreinforced alloy and composites have been measured. Bulk hardness, matrix microhardness, 0.2% proof stress of A356 Al–fly ash composites are higher compared to that of the unreinforced alloy. Additions of fly ash lead to increase in hardness, elastic modulus and 0.2% proof stress. Composites reinforced with narrow size range fly ash particle exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to composites with wide size range particles. A356 Al–fly ash MMCs were found to exhibit improved damping capacity when compared to unreinforced alloy at ambient temperature.     

碳纤维及树脂基复合材料产业发展面临的机遇与挑战

本文介绍了国内外高性能碳纤维、碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料、复合材料制造技术等发展现状及未来发展趋势,总结了国内碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料产业发展存在的问题,分析了国内碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料产业发展的需求,提出了碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料重点发展方向。