Taguchi-based grey relational analysis for modeling and optimizing machining parameters through dry turning of Incoloy 800H

The present research focused on the optimization of machining parameters and their effects by dry-turning an incoloy 800H on the basis of Taguchi-based grey relational analysis. Surface roughness (Ra, Rq and Rz), cutting force (Fz), and cutting power (P) were minimized, whereas Material removal rate (MRR) was maximized. An L ₂₇ orthogonal array was used in the experiments, which were conducted in a computerized and numerical-controlled turning machine. Cutting speed, feed rate, and cut depth were set as controllable machining variables, and analysis of variance was performed to determine the contribution of each variable. We then developed regression models, which ultimately conformed to investigational and predicted values. The combinational parameters for the multiperformance optimization were V = 35 m/min, f = 0.06 mm/rev and a = 1 mm, which altogether correspond to approximately 48.98 % of the improvement. The chip morphology of the incoloy 800H was also studied and reported.     

Effect of the process parameters on the three-dimensional shape of molten pool during full-penetration laser welding process

Slow tool servo (STS) turning is superior in machining precision and in complicated surface. However, STS turning is a complex process in which many variables can affect the desired results. This paper focuses on surface roughness prediction in lenses STS turning. An exponential model, based on the five main cutting parameters including tool nose radius, feed rate, depth of cut, C-axis speed, and discretization angle, for surface roughness prediction of lenses is developed by means of orthogonal experiment regression analysis. Meanwhile, a prediction model of surface roughness based on least squares support vector machines (LS-SVM) with radial basis function is constructed. Orthogonal experiment swatches are studied, and chaotic particle swarm optimization and leave-one-out cross-validation are applied to determine the model parameters. The comparison of LS-SVM model and exponential model is also carried out. Predictive LS-SVM model is found to be capable of better predictions for surface roughness and has absolute fraction of variance R² of 0.99887, the mean absolute percent error e_M of 8.96 %, and the root mean square error e_R of 10.68 %. The experimental results and prediction of LS-SVM model show that effects of tool nose radius and feed rate are more significant than that of depth of cut on surface roughness of lenses turning.     

Integrated ANN-LWPA for cutting parameter optimization in WEDM

In this paper, we present a new approach to determinate cutting parameters in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), integrated artificial neuron network (ANN), and wolf pack algorithm based on the strategy of the leader (LWPA). The cutting parameters considered in this paper are pulse-on, current, water pressure, and cutting feed rate. Models of the effects of the four parameters on machining time (T_p), machining cost (C_p), and surface roughness (Ra) are mathematically constructed. An ANN-LWPA integration system with multiple fitness functions is proposed to solve the modelling problem. By using the proposed approach, this study demonstrates that T_p, C_p, and Ra can be estimated at 164.1852 min, 239.5442 RMB, and 1.0223 μm in single objective optimization, respectively. For example, as for Ra, integrated ANN-LWPA has optimized the Ra value by the reduction of 0.1337 μm (11.6 %), 0.3377 μm (24.8 %), and 0.105 μm (10.3 %) compared to experimental data, regression model, and ANN model, respectively. Consequently, the ANN-LWPA integration system boasts some advantages over decreasing the value of fitness functions by comparison with the experimental regression model, ANN model, and conventional LWPA result. Moreover, the proposed integration system can be also utilized to obtain multiple solutions by uniform design-based exploration. Therefore, in order to solve complex machining optimization problems, an intelligent process scheme could be integrated into the numeric control system of WEDM.     

Investigate on milling force of cryogenic cooling processing aluminum honeycomb treated by ice fixation

Aerospace metal honeycomb materials with low stiffness had often the deformation, burr, collapse, and other defects in the mechanical processing. They were attributed to poor fixation method and inapposite cutting force. This paper presented the improvement of fixation way. The hexagonal aluminum honeycomb core material was treated by ice fixation, and the NC milling machine was used for a series of cryogenic machining. Considering the similar structure of fiber-reinforced composite materials, the milling force prediction model of ice fixation aluminum honeycomb was established, considering tool geometry parameters and cutting parameters. Meanwhile, the influence rule on milling force was deduced. The results show that compared with the conventional fixation milling method, the honeycomb processing effect is improved greatly. The machining parameters affect order on milling forces: the cutting depth is the most important, followed by the cutting width, then the spindle speed and the feed. Moreover, too small cutting depth (a_p?=?0.5 mm) will cause insufficient cutting force, while a_p?>?2 mm with higher force will reduce the processing quality of honeycomb. Simultaneously, the honeycomb orientation (θ) has a great influence on processing quality. Using the model, the predicted and measured error values of the feed and main cutting force are all small in θ?<?90°. But, the rate is 33 and 26% for the main cutting force and feed force error in θ?>?90°, respectively, while they all exhibit the smallest error in θ?=?60°. This bigger error mainly is due to unstable cutting force with obtuse angle. In addition, the tool rake angle has little influence on cutting quality in θ?<?90°, but bigger on that in θ?>?90°. Furthermore, the calculation model successfully conforms to the main deformation mechanism and influences parameters of the cutting force in the milling process, and it can accurately predict the cutting force in θ?<?90° and guide the milling process.     

Sustainability analyses of cutting edge radius on specific cutting energy and surface finish in side milling processes

The aim of this work is to determine the influence of cutting edge radius on the specific cutting energy and surface finish in a mechanical machining process. This was achieved by assessing the direct electrical energy demand during side milling of aluminium AW6082-T6 alloy and AISI 1018 steel in a dry cutting environment using three different cutting tool inserts. The specific energy coefficient was evaluated as an index of the sustainable milling process. The surface finish of the machined parts was also investigated after machining. It was observed that machining with the 48.50-μm cutting edge radius insert resulted in lower specific cutting energy requirements when compared with the 68.50 and 98.72-μm cutting edge radii inserts, respectively. However, as the ratio of the undeformed chip thickness to cutting edge radius is less than 1, the surface roughness increases. The surface roughness values gradually decrease as the ratio of undeformed chip thickness to cutting edge radius (h/r _e) tends to be 1 and at minimum surface roughness values when the ratio of h/r _e equalled to 1. However, the surface roughness values increased as h/r _e becomes higher than 1. This machining strategy further elucidates the black box and trade-offs of ploughing and rubbing characteristics of micro machining and optimization strategy for minimum energy and sustainable manufacture.     

Calculation of negative-pressure chip in suction-type internal chip removal system and analysis of influencing factors

Compacted graphite iron (CGI) is considered as the ideal material to make modern fuel-efficient diesel engine. Due to the vermicular or worm-like graphite distributed among the ferrite/pearlite matrix, CGI behaves better physical and mechanical properties in comparison with gray cast iron (GCI) and spherical graphite spheroidal cast iron (SGI). However, these good properties bring about the machining challenges. So it is important to appropriately select cutting parameters to machine this material with economy and efficiency. The present study investigated the influence of cutting parameters, such as cutting speed V, feed rate f, and exit angle Ψ, on workpiece material removal volume Q and cutting burr height on the entrance side H₁ and on the exit side H₂ during high-speed milling of CGI by the coated carbide tools_. On this basis, the relatively optimum high-speed cutting parameters were selected under the research condition. Cutting tool failure mechanism was also investigated with the aid of scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive system (EDS) (SUPRA55, Germany) analysis. The results showed that Q, H₁, H₂, and the type of cutting burr on the exit side of the machined surface could be influenced by the cutting parameters. And the relatively optimum cutting parameters are V = 800 m/min, f = 0.25 mm/rev, and Ψ = 60°. Adhesive wear and thermal cracks which were perpendicular to the cutting edge were common wear mechanisms during the cutting process. However, with an increase in feed rate, mechanical cracks which were parallel to the cutting edge could be found on the flank face of the cutting tool.     

Application of different surrogate models on the optimization of centrifugal pump

An optimization process for impellers was carried out based on numerical simulation, Latin hypercube sampling (LHS), surrogate model and Genetic algorithm (GA) to improve the efficiency of residual heat removal pump. The commercial software ANSYS CFX 14.5 was utilized to solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations by using the Shear stress transport turbulence model. The impeller blade parameters, which contain the blade inlet incidence angle Δβ, blade wrap angle φ, and blade outlet angle β ₂, were designed by random sample points according to the LHS method. The efficiency predicted under the design flow rate was selected as the objective function. The best combination of parameters was obtained by calculating the surrogate model with the GA. Meanwhile, the prediction accuracies of three surrogate models, namely, Response surface model (RSM), Kriging model, and Radial basis neural network (RBNN), were compared. Results showed that the calculated findings agree with the experimental performance results of the original pump. The RSF model predicted the highest efficiency, while the RBNN had the highest prediction accuracy. Compared with the simulated efficiency of the original pump, the optimization increased efficiency by 8.34% under the design point. Finally, the internal flow fields were analyzed to understand the mechanism of efficiency improvement. The optimization process, including the comparison of the surrogate models, can provide reference for the optimization design of other pumps.     

Optimization of cutting conditions of YG15 on rough and finish cutting in WEDM based on statistical analyses

In this paper, the effects and the optimization of cutting parameters on surface roughness (Ra) and material removal rate (MRR) in the wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of high hardness tool steel YG15 are analyzed. In the WEDM process, the key process parameters, such as pulse-on time, pulse-off time, power, cutting feed rate, wire tension, wire speed, and water pressure, are optimized. Experimental data were initially collected based on the Taguchi method of experimental design, which are $L_{18}\left (2^1\times 3^5\right )$ and $L_{18}\left (2^1\times 3^4\right )$ Taguchi standard orthogonal array on rough and finish cutting experiments, respectively. The level of importance of the cutting parameters on the Ra and MRR was determined on both finish and rough cutting by using statistical analyses; average gap voltage is discussed in order to balance cutting efficiency and stability on both finish and rough cutting. In addition, comparative analysis of finish and rough cutting is drawn to analyze the difference between rough cutting and finish cutting. Then, regression models and signal-to-noise ratio are used to obtain the optimum cutting parameter combination. Finally, the results present the optimized MRR and Ra of the rough and finish process, respectively, and confirm the efficiency and abilities of the model.     

Geometry simulation and evaluation of the surface topography in five-axis ball-end milling

Limited by the factors such as dynamic vibrations, cutting heat, and the use of coolant, it is difficult to measure or evaluate the surface quality in real time. Geometry simulation of the surface topography became the main method used in engineering to estimate and control the quality of the surface machining. This paper proposed a new method for geometry simulation and evaluation of a milled surface. Allowing for the coherency in geometric variations management process, the proposed method is developed based on the skin model of a workpiece. To make the simulated surface topography more realistic, the effects of locating errors, spindle errors, geometrical errors of the machine tool, and cutting tool deflections are included. And a new method is adopted to evaluate the milled surface, in which the roughness of the surface is characterized by the modal coefficients, instead of the R _a , R _z , and R _q values. At the end of this paper, measurements and cutting tests are carried out to validate the proposed method.     

Optimization of flux-cored arc welding process parameters by using genetic algorithm

The effect of flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) process parameters on the quality of the super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) claddings can be studied using Taguchi L9 design of experiments. In this experimental investigation, deposits were made with 30 % bead overlap. Establishing the optimum combination of process parameters is required to ensure better bead geometry and desired properties. The above objectives can be achieved by identifying the significant input process parameters as input to the mathematical models like welding voltage (X ₁), wire feed rate (X ₂), welding speed (X ₃), and nozzle-to-plate distance (X ₄). The identified responses governing the bead geometry are bead width (W) and height of the reinforcement (H). The mathematical models were constructed using the data collected from the experiments based on Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. Then, the responses were optimized using non-traditional nature-inspired technique like genetic algorithm (GA).     

Cutting-force components in turning by tools with no cutting tip

Turning by tools that are characterized by a linear or curved cutting blade but have no cutting tip is studied experimentally. The influence of the depth and cutting speed, the supply, and the cutter inclination on the components P _z and P _y of the cutting force is investigated in inverse and direct cutting.     

Experimental and numerical research on magnetic pulse forming of DP600 high-strength steel with driver sheet

This study aims to investigate the effect of the three cutting parameters (rotation, feed rate, and number of tool strokes) on the values of roughness (Rk, Rpk, Rvk, Mr1, Mr2, Rp/Rt ratio, and Vo) in flexible honed crankcase cylinder of hermetic compressors. The study was based on a full factorial design 2 × 2 × 3, where the rotation and the feed rate were investigated in two levels and the number of tool strokes in three levels. The cylinders were initially honed using a multi-spindle honing machine, Gehring model. A set of three honing tools was used each with two strokes, the first for roughing (120 mesh), the second for semi-finishing (270 mesh), and the third for finishing (600 mesh). For conventional honing (CH), the depth of the cut and the feed rate were kept constant. The flexible honing process was carried out after conventional honing (C+FH) in a CNC milling machine using a Silicon Carbide flex hone tool 800 mesh and 24.2 mm nominal diameter considering 12 different cutting conditions. An electromechanical surface roughness tester was used to carry out roughness measurements. The measurement uncertainty was assessed following the recommendations of the GUM-JCGM 101. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was applied, and it was observed that the number of the tool strokes was the factor that contributed the most to the improvement of the surface finish of the cylinders.     

Improvement of grinding performance and investigation of cutting parameters using a grinding mechanism with secondary rotational axis

“Grinding Mechanism having Advanced Secondary Rotational Axis” (GMASRA) is one of the newer plane surface grinding methods that have an uncommon abrasion mechanism. Unlike conventional methods, in GMASRA, there are two rotations of a wheel. The first rotation is the same as in conventional grinding methods, which is the circumferential rotation. The other rotation is the newly developed axial rotation, where the wheel rotates around itself perpendicular to its radial axis. In this study, the effects of certain cutting parameters on arithmetical mean deviation of the assessed profile (the R_a parameter) were investigated. Particularly, the effects of cutting parameters on R_a in the GMASRA grinding process were examined. The selected cutting parameters were the depth of cut, the number of axial revolutions of the wheel, and the stepover distance of the wheel. Five wheels with different properties were chosen. Additionally, GMASRA was modeled using the Taguchi orthogonal test design. In this orthogonal design, the depth of cut, the spindle speed, and the type of grinding wheel were chosen as the control factors. The effect of the specified control factors on the surface roughness was demonstrated using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results show that GMASRA produced better R_a values than the conventional method. R_a values were very close to each other in every part of the ground workpieces. According to the modeling results, the spindle speed had the highest effect on R_a, followed by the depth of cut and the type of grinding wheel. GMASRA is also very cost effective and can be adapted to most milling machines and CNC milling machines.     

Numerical and experimental study on the flow characteristics of abrasive slurry jet with polymer additives

Based on a refined mathematical model, the hydrodynamics of abrasive slurry jet (ASJ) was numerically investigated in consideration of the non-Newtonian rheological properties of the slurry. It is found that adding polymer has significant effects on the jet properties, such as axial velocity and abrasive volume fraction. The coherence length (L _c) is proposed to measure the initial region of jet, where external air acts insignificantly on the axial velocity magnitude and thus the averaged kinetic energy is large. In the ASJ flow field, L _c is increased after adding polymer additives, while reduced as the operating pressure (P ₀) goes up. The prediction to the L _c agrees well with the experimental results, with P ₀ ranging from 1 to 16 MPa. Accordingly, an empirical formula is presented to describe the relationship between L _c and P ₀. The distinct characteristics of ASJ with polymer additives together with the verified length model of coherence region provides a qualitative and quantitative basis for the optimization of ASJ machining process, for instance, improving cutting efficiency and precision.     

Impact of aspect ratio and surface heating on pollutant transport in street canyons

This paper investigated the impacts of surface heating on pollutant transport and Air Exchange Rate (AER) in street canyons of different aspect ratios (building heightH to street widthW) using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique. Street canyons ofH/W varied from 0.1 to 2 were employed in the study. These street-canyon aspect ratios covered a range of basic flow regimes including skimming flow (H/W=1 and 2), wake interference flow (H/W=0.5), and isolated roughness flow (H/W=0.1). Different façade/surface heating imposed different influence on the flow field and pollutant transport in street canyons of differentH/W. The AER induced by vertical velocity fluctuationAER _w, and mean vertical velocityAER _w . AER of street canyon with differentH/W and different surface heating exhibited their unique characteristics.     

Parametric optimization of CNC turning process for hybrid metal matrix composite

Machining of hybrid metal matrix composite is difficult as the particulates are abrasive in nature and they behave like a cutting edge during machining resulting in quick tool wear and induces vibration. An attempt was made in this experimental study to evaluate the machining characteristics of hybrid metal matrix composite, and a mathematical model was developed to predict the responses, namely surface finish, intensity of vibration and work-tool interface temperature for known cutting condition while machining was performed in computer numerical control lathe. Design of experiments approach was used to conduct the trials; response surface methodology was employed to formulate a mathematical model. The experimental study inferred that the vibration in V _x, V _y, and V _z were 41.59, 45.17, and 26.45 m/s², respectively, and surface finish R _a, R _q, and R _z were 1.76, 3.01, and 11.94 μm, respectively, with work-tool interface temperature ‘T’ of 51.74 °C for optimal machining parameters, say, cutting speed at 175 m/min, depth of cut at 0.25 mm and feed rate at 0.1 mm/rev during machining. Experimental results were in close conformity with response surface method overlay plot for responses.     

Quantitative proximate X-ray analysis of loose raw materials based on detection of diffraction and characteristic radiation

A method of rapid X-ray analysis is proposed. The content of the method is that the ratio I _d/I _i ^A is measured in two channels of a γ spectrometer, one of which is configured for the diffraction maximum of the determined phase (I _d) and the other measures the intensity of the spectral line of secondary element A (I _i ^A ), the atomic number of which is the same as that of the material of the X-ray tube anode. Results of the X-ray analysis of chromite and molybdenum are presented. The test rate was 7 min per test. The maximum deviation from the content of MoS₂ was 0.4% in standard specimens with concentrations of 24–29% and that of Fe and Cr₂O₃ was 0.3% for concentrations of 14–19%.     

Experimental investigations on effects of tool flank wear on surface integrity during orthogonal dry cutting of Ti-6Al-4V

Machining titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V is a challenging task since tool flank wear adversely affects surface integrity. Quantitative effects of predetermined tool flank wear values (VB) on the surface integrity were investigated through the orthogonal dry cutting of Ti-6Al-4V. Experimental results indicated that three-dimensional (3D) average surface roughness increased with the VB ranging from 0 to 0.2 mm but decreased at VB = 0.3 mm. Given the effects of rubbing and ironing enhanced, surface material burning and plastic flows emerged on the machined surface at VB = 0.3 mm. Not only the plastic deformation layer became deeper but also the grains were greatly distorted with the increase of tool flank wear. When machined by using the tool at VB = 0.3 mm, the β phase of Ti-6Al-4V decreased near the machined surface layer than that of using the fresh tool. Besides, the depth of work-harden layer increased from 20 to 60 μm with the VB increasing from 0 to 0.3 mm. The softened layer was generated near the machined surface by using the tool at VB = 0.3 mm. In addition, the residual compressive stresses of the machined surface had the trend of decreasing. Experimental results indicated that the VB less than 0.2 mm was the most suitable condition for better surface integrity during orthogonal dry cutting of Ti-6Al-4V. This study aims at providing experimental data for optimizing the processing parameters and improving the surface integrity of Ti-6Al-4V.     

Role of the strengthening phases in abrasive wear resistance of laser-clad NiCrBSi coatings

The influence of the strengthening phases on the tribological characteristics (wear intensity, specific work of wear, coefficient of friction) and the wear mechanisms in two-body abrasion tests with abrasives of different hardnesses (corundum Al₂O₃, ~2000 HV and silicon carbide SiC, ~3000 HV) has been investigated for PG-SR2 (Cr₂₃C₆, 1000–1150 HV), PG-10N-01 (Cr₇C₃, 1650–1800 HV; CrB, 1950–2400 HV), and 75% PG-SR2 + 25% TiC (TiC, 2500–2900 HV; (Cr,Ni)₂₃(C,B)₆ and (Ti,Cr)(C,B), ~2000 HV) coatings. The dominant role of the strengthening phases (compared with the role of the metal matrix) in the abrasive wear resistance of laser-clad NiCrBSi coatings has been estimated. Different wear mechanisms have been identified and, accordingly, different levels of coatings wear resistance have been achieved depending on the ratio between the hardness of the strengthening phases (carbides, borides, carboborides) and abrasive particles.     

Vibration response analysis caused by rubbing between rotating blade and casing

Two types of blade-tip rubbing due to the static misalignment of the bladed-disk center and casing center and casing deformation are simulated. By applying aerodynamic load in the blade lateral/flexural direction, vibration responses due to blade-casing rubbing are analyzed under the run-up process with constant angular acceleration and the steady-state process at 10000 rev/min. The effects of some parameters, such as the static misalignment e _c, casing stiffness k _c and casing deformation n _p, on the system vibration responses are also illustrated by spectrum cascades, time-domain waveforms of displacement, normal rubbing forces, amplitude spectra and the impulse P in a single blade-casing rubbing period. The results show that blade-tip rubbing will cause amplitude amplification and harmonic resonance phenomena when the multiple frequencies (nf _r) of rotational frequency (f _r) coincide with the first three flexural dynamic frequencies of the blade (f _n1, f _n2 and f _n3). For example, the displacement amplitudes at 3f _r, 14f _r and 38f _r are large and the vibration is dominant near f _n1. In addition, the casing deformation mainly excites the dominant Blade passing frequency (BPF), which is related to the casing deformation coefficient n _p. By comparing these impulse values, for the selected parameters in this paper, the casing stiffness has a greater effect on impulse than the static misalignment and casing deformation coefficient. The impulse shows a linear increase trend with the increasing static misalignment, and it decreases under the large n _p because the contact time decreases with the increase of n _p.