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Modeling and optimization of cylindrical grinding of Al/SiC composites using genetic algorithms

Abstract

The Al/SiC composites have received more commercial attention than other kinds of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) due to their high performance. However, a continuing problem with MMCs is that they are difficult to machine, due to the hardness and abrasive nature of the SiC particles. Grinding is often the method of choice for machining Al/SiC composites to acquire high dimensional accuracy and surface finish in large scale production. Based on the full factorial design (3(4)), a total of 81 experiments, each having a combination of different levels of variables, are carried out to study the effect of grinding parameters such as wheel velocity, work piece velocity, feed and depth of cut on the responses such as tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature. Modeling and optimization place a vital role in controlling any process for improved product quality, high productivity and low cost. In the present work, experimental results are used to calculate the analysis of variance (ANOVA) which explains the significance of the parameters on the responses. Based on the results of ANOVA, a mathematical model is formulated using multiple regression method. A genetic algorithm (GA) based optimization procedure has been developed to optimize the grinding parameters for maximum material removal by imposing constraints on roughness. This methodology would be useful for identifying the optimum grinding parameters in order to achieve the required material removal rate (MRR).

metal matrix composites; cylindrical grinding; modeling and optimization; genetic algorithm


TECHNICAL PAPERS

MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Modeling and optimization of cylindrical grinding of Al/SiC composites using genetic algorithms

C. ThiagarajanI; R. SivaramakrishnanII; S. SomasundaramIII

ISt. Peter's Engineering College, Department of Production Engineering. 600 054 Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. thiaguresearch@gmail.com

IIMIT Campus, Anna University, Department of Production Technology. 600 044 Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. srk@mitindia.edu

IIINational Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering. 600 113 Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. som_sen@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT

The Al/SiC composites have received more commercial attention than other kinds of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) due to their high performance. However, a continuing problem with MMCs is that they are difficult to machine, due to the hardness and abrasive nature of the SiC particles. Grinding is often the method of choice for machining Al/SiC composites to acquire high dimensional accuracy and surface finish in large scale production. Based on the full factorial design (34), a total of 81 experiments, each having a combination of different levels of variables, are carried out to study the effect of grinding parameters such as wheel velocity, work piece velocity, feed and depth of cut on the responses such as tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature. Modeling and optimization place a vital role in controlling any process for improved product quality, high productivity and low cost. In the present work, experimental results are used to calculate the analysis of variance (ANOVA) which explains the significance of the parameters on the responses. Based on the results of ANOVA, a mathematical model is formulated using multiple regression method. A genetic algorithm (GA) based optimization procedure has been developed to optimize the grinding parameters for maximum material removal by imposing constraints on roughness. This methodology would be useful for identifying the optimum grinding parameters in order to achieve the required material removal rate (MRR).

Keywords: metal matrix composites, cylindrical grinding, modeling and optimization, genetic algorithm

Introduction

Extensive uses of composite materials are the recent need for different manufacturing processes due to their unique physical and mechanical properties. Almost all fields need a replacement for steel and cast iron in mechanical components with lighter high strength composite materials. The Al/SiC composites possess many advantages such as low specific density, high strength, good wear resistance and excellent thermal conductivity. In particular, they not only have good mechanical and wear properties, but are also economically viable (Kwak, 2008).

Aluminium composites are applied in various automotive components like brake rotors and pistons, machinery components, structural and electronic applications where a close dimensional tolerance is required. The effective use of these materials in such functional applications demands the machining of MMCs with good surface finish and low surface damage. Grinding places a vital role to acquire high dimensional accuracy and surface finish. However it is difficult to grind Al/SiC composites, because the reinforcement and matrix of the composite possess widely different properties like density, co-efficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity and young's modulus. This makes the grinding of aluminium alloy based MMC's an unpredictable process (Anand Ronald, 2009).

Previous studies on grinding of composites have shown that Al/SiC composites exhibit an improved grindability with respect to non-reinforced aluminium alloy, for the better surface finish and the lower tendency to clog the wheel. Despite various research efforts in Al/SiC grinding over the past two decades, much need to be established to standardize models for process optimization for improving product quality and increasing productivity to reduce the machining cost. Models contribute significantly to the process itself, and form the basis for the simulation of the grinding processes. They thus create a precondition for increased efficiency while ensuring a high product quality at the same time. Anne Venu Gopal and Venkateshwara Rao (2003) studied the selection of optimum conditions for maximum material removal rate with surface finish and damage as constraints in SiC grinding. The approach presented provides an impetus to develop analytical models, based on the experimental results, to predict the general trends of ground work piece roughness and percentage area of surface damage in terms of the significant parameters under consideration.

Shaji and Radhakrishnan (2003) made the analysis of the process parameters such as speed, feed, in feed and mode of dressing as influential factors, on the force components and surface finish developed based on Taguchi's experimental design methods. Taguchi's tools such as orthogonal array, signal-to-noise ratio, and factor effect analysis, ANOVA, etc. have been used for this purpose and an optimal condition has been found out. The results have been compared with the results obtained in the conventional coolant grinding following the same method. Mohanasundararaju and Sivasubramanian (2007) studied the optimization of grinding parameters to obtain desired roughness in the work rolls using Neural Network-Taguchi approach. In this paper they found that the combination of ANN model with Taguchi Technique helps to predict optimal conditions for obtaining required roughness value more accurately while grinding work rolls.

Miracle; (2005) reported a study on metal matrix composites - from science to technological significance. He stated that the measurement of grinding force components is highly essential to analyze more effectively the grindability factors of Al/SiC composites. Obikawa and Shinozuka (2005) made analysis of grinding temperature considering surface generation mechanism, in which they found that the temperature has significant influences on metal removal processes in grinding and also revealed that the temperature on the ground surface is the most important response for predicting and evaluating the integrity of the ground surface.

Most of the researches (Zhaowei Zhong, 2002; Anne Venu Gopal, 2003; Sun et al., 2006) carried out the experimental work on the grindability of Al/SiC composites in surface grinding to investigate the effect of grinding variables on responses, whereas this paper focuses the research work on the grindability of Al/SiC composites in cylindrical grinding to examine the effect of cylindrical grinding variables wheel speed, work piece speed, feed and depth of cut on the responses tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique has been used to find the significance of grinding variables on the responses In order to explore these relationships mathematical models have also been developed. The mathematical models thus developed are further utilized to find the optimum grinding variables using genetic algorithms (GA) employing a multi-objective function model.

Nomenclature

C, C1, C2, C3

= constants in mathematical, tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature models respectively

d.o.f = degrees of freedom MRR = material removal rate, mm3/mm width/min Q = grinding response w, w1, w2, w3 = wheel velocity exponents in mathematical, tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature models respectively

x, x1, x2, x3

= work piece velocity exponents in mathematical, tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature models respectively

y, y1, y2, y3 = feed rate exponents in mathematical, tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature models respectively

z, z1, z2, z3

= depth of cut exponents in mathematical, tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature models respectively

Experimental Design and Procedure

The Al/SiC composite specimens with dimensions φ30 X200 mm are made from LM 25 aluminium alloys reinforced with 13 µm SiC particles. A vitrified-bonded white aluminium oxide grinding wheel is used to grind the MMC specimens LM25Al/SiC/4p (4% SiC by volume). Grinding experiments are carried out on a high precision horizontal spindle cylindrical grinding machine and the schematic diagram of the experimental set-up is shown in Fig. 1.


The mathematical modeling of responses in the grinding of composites involved lots of other factors, such as work material, type of wheel abrasives, grain size, etc. However, to facilitate the experimental data collection, only 4 dominant factors are considered in the planning of the experimentation. The factors considered are wheel velocity (Vs), work piece velocity (Vw), feed (f) and depth of cut (d). The experiments are planned using a complete 34 factorial design (Anne Venu Gopal, 2003). Based on this, a total of 81 experiments, each having a combination of different levels of variables are carried out and the details are shown in Table 1. Before every grinding experiment, dressing was carried out. A single point diamond dresser was used for the dressing of Al2O3 grinding wheels.

The responses measured are tangential grinding force (Ft), roughness (Ra) and grinding temperature (Gt). The average values of Ft, Ra and Gt are calculated from the three values measured on each ground surface, for each process condition. A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is integrated to the grinding wheel motor so that the wheel is capable of changing speed. The tangential grinding force (Ft), tangent to the wheel-work contact, when multiplied by wheel speed (Vs) and a constant determines the power used by the operation (ASM Metals Handbook: Machining, Vol. 16, 1989). The equation for Power (P) is:

The equation (1) for power is valid for horse power, using pounds of force and feet per minute for Ft and Vs respectively. And the VFD is utilized to measure the power of the grinding wheel motor, so that the tangential grinding force (Ft) can be calculated from Eq. (1). The roughness (Ra) of the cylindrical ground specimens is measured in the direction perpendicular to the grinding direction using a roughness tester. The cut-off is 0.8 mm and evaluation length is 4 mm. An infrared non-contact laser thermometer is used to measure the grinding temperature (Gt) with a standoff distance of 8 cm from the wheel-work interface and emissivity correction of 0.02. The details of cylindrical grinding machine and measuring equipments are given in Table 2.

Methodology

In order to obtain applicable and practical predictive quantitative relationships, it is necessary to model the grinding responses and the grinding variables. These models would be of great use during optimization of the cylindrical grinding of Al/SiC composites using GA. In this work, experimental results are used to calculate the analysis of variance (ANOVA) which explains the significance of the variables on the responses. A commercially available statistical tool MINITAB is used to provide the ANOVA results. Based on the results of ANOVA, a mathematical model is formulated using multiple regression method by using a non-linear fit between the responses and the significant variables. The purpose of developing the mathematical models is to relate the grinding responses to the variables and thereby to facilitate the optimization of the grinding process. Using these mathematical models, the multi objective function and process constraints can be formulated, and the optimization problem can then be solved with the help of genetic algorithms (GA).

Mathematical formulation

The data collected from the experiments are used to build a mathematical model using multiple regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis is practical, economical and relatively easy to use, and is widely used for modeling and analyzing experimental results. The mathematical models commonly used for the cylindrical grinding with the variables under consideration are represented by:

where Q is the grinding response, Φ is the response function and Vs, Vw, f, d are grinding variables. Expressed in non-linear form, Eq. (2) becomes

The following mathematical models are formulated in this work: Tangential grinding force model:

Roughness model:

Grinding temperature model:

These mathematical models are linearized by performing a logarithm transformation to facilitate the determination of constants and variables. The above function can be represented in linear mathematical form as follows:

The constants and variables C, Vs, Vw, f and d can then be solved by using multiple regression analysis with the help of experimental results.

Optimization using genetic algorithms

Genetic Algorithms (GA) are search algorithms for optimization based on the principle of genetics and natural selection. The searching process simulates the natural evaluation of biological creatures and turns out to be an intelligent exploitation of a random search. The simplicity of operation and computational efficiency are the two main attractions of the GA approach. A candidate solution (chromosome) is represented by an appropriate sequence of numbers. In many applications the chromosome is simply a binary string of 0 and 1. The quality of its fitness function, evaluates a chromosome with respect to the objective function of the optimization problem. A selected population of solution (chromosome) initially evolves by employing mechanisms modeled after those currently believed to apply in genetics.

Generally, the GA mechanism consists of three fundamental operations: reproduction, cross over, and mutation. Reproduction is the random selection of copies of solutions from the population according to their fitness value to create one or more offsprings. Cross over defines how the selected chromosomes (parents) are recombined to create new structures (offspring) for possible inclusion in the population. Mutation is a random modification of a randomly selected chromosome. Its function is to guarantee the possibility to explore the space of solutions for any initial population and to permit the freeing from a zone of local minimum. Generally, the decision of the possible inclusion of crossover/mutation offspring is governed by an appropriate filtering system. Both crossover and mutation occur at every cycle, according to an assigned probability. The aim of the three operations is to produce a sequence of population that, on the average, tends to improve.

Results and Discussions

Effect of grinding variables on responses

The effect of the cylindrical grinding variables on the selected responses tangential grinding force (Ft), roughness (Ra) and grinding temperature (Gt) are evaluated by conducting experiments and the results are shown graphically in Figs. 2 to 4.


 




It is observed from the results shown in Fig. 2 that the tangential grinding force (Ft) decreases with an increase in wheel velocity (Vs) and work piece velocity (Vw). This could be attributed to thermally induced softening of the matrix at high speeds. As the grinding wheel velocity increases, the heat generated in the deformation zone increases and softens the aluminium matrix, and thereby the force required to remove the material is reduced.

It is also observed from Fig. 2 that Ft increases with an increase in feed and depth of cut. When feed and depth of cut are increased, the increase in material removal rate and in chip thickness accounts for the increase in the Ft values. The minimum value of Ft obtained is 16N at Vs of 43.98 m/s, Vw of 26.72 m/min, f of 0.06 m/min and d of 10 µm. The maximum value of Ft obtained is 39N at Vs of 23.57 m/s, Vw of 6.11 m/min, f of 0.17 m/min and d of 30 µm.

The effect of cylindrical grinding variables on roughness (Ra) is evaluated by conducting experiments and the results are shown in Fig. 3. This figure shows that roughness decreases with an increase in Vs and Vw. This is mainly due to the increase in relative velocity between the wheel and work piece and the fact that the reduction in contact time reduces the chip thickness. It can also be observed from Fig. 3 that the roughness increases with an increase in feed and depth of cut. When feed and depth of cut are increased, the increase in material removal rate and in chip thickness accounts for the increase in the Ra values. The minimum value of Ra obtained is 0.171 µm, at Vs of 43.98 m/s, Vw of 26.72 m/min, f of 0.06 m/min and d of 10 µm. The maximum value of Ra obtained is 0.893 µm, at Vs of 23.57 m/s, Vw of 6.11 m/min, f of 0.17 m/min and d of 30 µm. The results comply with the trends available in the literature (Zhaowei Zhong, 2002; Anne Venu Gopal, 2003).

The effect of cylindrical grinding variables on grinding temperature (Gt) is evaluated by conducting experiments and the results are shown in Fig. 4. It is observed from the results that Gt increases with an increase in the values of Vs, Vw, f and d. Gt values are scattered in the range of 740-856ºC at lower and higher levels of grinding variables. The temperature measured is the spark temperature and it is a good representative of the grinding zone temperature and useful for process monitoring purposes. The spark temperature is measured at the standoff distance of 8 cm from the wheel-work interface. Under the given grinding conditions, the spark temperature is found to increase as the laser thermometer is moved away from the grinding zone along with the spark stream, up to a distance of 8 cm; thereafter, it drops off. Based on this, the stand-off distance is fixed at 8 cm from the wheel-work interface and the temperature is measured.

It is to be noted that, as the chips leave the grinding zone at high temperature, they are subjected to an exothermic reaction with oxygen, which causes their temperature to rise. Subsequently, the atmospheric cooling effect predominates, leading to a drop in the temperature of the chips. The results are in line with the trends available in the literature (Nee, 1981; Deivanathan, 1999).

SEM analysis of cylindrical ground surfaces

The surface textures of the cylindrical ground specimens are assessed using a scanning electron microscope and are presented in Figs. 5 to 9. The SEM micro structure of LM25Al/SiC/4p in Fig. 5 shows the matrix of the cast specimen prepared for metallographic examination. It shows uniform distribution of the dark SiC particles (13 µm) in the aluminium matrix before grinding. In general, the SiC particle distribution is nearly identical in all the specimens observed. The metal matrix composite contains script/spike shaped Al-Si eutectic particles, the size of which ranges between 40 µm and 50 µm.





Figure 9

Figure 6 shows the SEM micrograph of rough ground surface. In this figure, the banding on the work piece surface is the effect of the grinding wheel, due to high feed and depth of cut. As a result of the force of the wheel and depth of cut, the Al2O3 grains of the wheel are embedded and also disintegrated on the surface of the work piece. Figure 7 shows the rough ground surface of the Al/SiC specimen at high magnification (1500X). This micrograph clearly reveals that the set grinding variables, such as low wheel and work piece velocities and high feed and depth of cut, lead to the fragmentation and pulling out of the loosely bound SiC particles from the surface. It is probable that a casting defect at that location might have caused the effect. Figure 8 shows the rough ground surface at higher magnification (2100X). This figure shows the micro cracks that occurred on the work piece surface and the fragmentation of the Al-Si eutectic (white globular) particles. The development of the micro cracks on the ground surface is probably due to the generation of heat with differential thermal expansion between the metal matrix and the composites (SiC). The fragmentation of the Al-Si eutectic particles is due to the high feed and depth of cut.

ANOVA and Modeling of Responses

The experimental results are used to calculate the analysis of variance (ANOVA) which explains the significant grinding variables affecting the responses such as tangential grinding force (Ft), roughness (Ra) and grinding temperature (Gt). The ANOVA results for the responses are shown in Tables 3 to 5.

Tangential grinding force (Ft) model

Accurate measurement of the grinding force has great research value and practical significance on studies in the field of grinding. The measurement of grinding force is highly essential to analyze more effectively the grindability factors of Al/SiC composites. The results of ANOVA for tangential grinding force are shown in Table 3. It indicates that all the four grinding variables are significant at 95% confidence interval and the interactions between them are not significant at the same confidence interval. The non-linear fit between response and significant variables is expressed as:

The multiple correlation R2 is 0.989. It could be seen from the model that the tangential grinding force decreases with increase in wheel velocity and work piece velocity, but increases with increase in feed and depth of cut.

Roughness (Ra) model

The dimensional accuracy and surface finish of any manufacturing process have become critical because of increased quality demands. There are various factors that govern surface finish in grinding and, hence, the development of analytical model between roughness and significant grinding variables provides a reliable prediction of grinding performance. The ANOVA results for roughness are shown in Table 4. It indicates that the interactions between the grinding variables are not significant at 95% confidence interval when compared to individual variables which are significant at 95% confidence interval. Hence, while developing the model for roughness, only the individual variables Vs, Vw, f, d are considered and that is given by:

The multiple correlation R2 is 0.995. It could be seen from the model that the roughness decreases with increase in wheel velocity and work piece velocity, but increases with increase in feed and depth of cut.

Grinding temperature (Gt) model

Grinding temperature is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of a ground surface. The properties of a ground surface depend on the grinding temperature, and knowledge of its magnitude is important to establish the grinding conditions. Hence, the development of analytical model between the grinding temperature and the significant variables provides a reliable prediction of grinding performance. The results of ANOVA for grinding temperature are shown in Table 5. It indicates that all the four grinding variables are significant at 95% confidence interval and the interactions being insignificant at the same confidence interval. The non-linear fit between response and significant variables is expressed as:

The multiple correlation R2 is 0.973. It could be observed from the above model that Gt increases with increase in wheel velocity, work piece velocity, feed and depth of cut. Hence these analytical models could be employed to maximize the material removal rate by selecting proper grinding parameters. The mathematical model equations developed for all the responses (Ft, Ra, Gt) are valid only for the experimental conditions used in this study.

Optimization of Al/SiC cylindrical grinding using genetic algorithms (GA)

Optimization analysis of machining parameters is usually based on maximizing production rate or finest possible surface quality by using the empirical relationship between the responses and the process parameters. Hence in cylindrical grinding, an effort has been made to estimate the tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature using experimental data. It has also been attempted to optimize the grinding process using GA in order to achieve good surface finish.

A simple GA code is used in the present study. The steps involved in the optimization of Al/SiC composite grinding process using GA can be stated as follows:

Step 1: The GA parameters are initialized. This involves specifying the maximum number of generations, the string length of each variable, the mutation probability, etc. The upper and lower limits of each of the process variables are specified. The maximum allowable roughness is also defined. Step 2: An initial feasible random population is generated. Step 3: The fitness of each individual in the population is evaluated. Step 4: Once the fitness of all the individuals is available, GA operations are performed. A new set of process variables is then created which is possibly better than that of the previous generation. Step 5: The generation number is incremented. If the current generation number is greater than the maximum number of generations allowed, then the process is terminated. Otherwise, the process is repeated from step 3.

The problem of optimization of Al/SiC composites grinding process can be described as maximizing the MRR subjected to the criteria of a set of constraints on roughness and input variables.

In order to optimize the present problem using GA:

(a) Following parameters are specified by practice, to get optimal solutions with less computational effort: • Maximum number of generations = 800 • Total string length = 60 • Mutation probability = 0.1 • Cross over probability = 0.65 (b) Constrained optimization problem is stated as follows: • Maximize MRR subjected to Ra < (Ra)max and
xil< xi< xi
MRR = fd
Ra = 424.113 (Vs)-0.855 (Vw)-0.339 (f) 0.342 (d) 0.402 23.57 m/s < Vs< 43.98 m/s
6.11 m/min < Vw< 26.72 m/min
0.06 m/min < f < 0.17 m/min
10 µm < d < 30 µm

where (Ra)max is the maximum allowable value of roughness and xil and xiu are the lower and upper bounds on grinding variables xi.

The GA program has been written in the MATLAB environment. The maximizing function is written facilitating the user to set the constraints. The optimization is carried out for different values of constraints on roughness (0.15-0.45 µm). The optimal inputs and the corresponding output values obtained by the GA are presented in Table 6.

It is observed from the optimization results of GA that it will be more advantageous to grind Al/SiC composites at wheel velocity 43.9833 m/s, work piece velocity 26.7181 m/min with a feed of 0.0552 m/min and depth of cut of 9.1082 µm. It is also found from the table that higher wheel and work piece velocities are required for all the values of roughness constraints to obtain good surface finish. The results of optimization show that the material removal rate increases by 10 times, by increasing the roughness constraint from 0.15 to 0.45 µm. Hence, it is concluded from the above results that the MRR is influenced more by the roughness constraint and this methodology would be useful for identifying the optimum grinding parameters in order to achieve the required MRR with a constraint on roughness.

Consolidation of the results explained and the phenomenology in detail

Better surface finish and damage free surfaces are obtained due to low grinding force at high wheel and work piece velocities. The tangential grinding force (Ft) decreases with an increase in wheel velocity and work piece velocity. As the grinding wheel velocity increases, the heat generated in the deformation zone increases and softens the aluminium matrix, thereby the force required to remove the material is reduced.

The roughness (Ra) values decrease with an increase in wheel velocity and work piece velocity. This is mainly due to the increase in relative velocity between the wheel and the work piece and the reduction in contact time reduces the chip thickness.

The tangential grinding force and roughness increase with an increase in feed and depth of cut. When the feed and depth of cut are increased, the increase in material removal rate and the increase in chip thickness account for the increase of the Ft and Ra values

The grinding temperature (Gt) increases with an increase in wheel velocity (Vs), work piece velocity (Vw), feed (f) and depth of cut (d). The Gt values are scattered in the range of 740ºC-856ºC at the lower and higher levels of grinding variables. The temperature measured is the spark temperature and it is a good representative of the grinding zone temperature and useful for process-monitoring purposes. It is to be noted that as the chips leave the grinding zone at high temperature, they are subjected to an exothermic reaction with oxygen, due to which their temperature rises. Subsequently, the atmospheric cooling effect predominates, leading to a drop in the temperature of the chips.

The results of ANOVA for tangential grinding force (Ft), roughness (Ra) and grinding temperature (Gt) indicate that all the four grinding variables are significant at 95% confidence interval and the interactions between them are not significant at the same confidence interval. The analytical models of responses agree with the general trends of grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature.

It is observed from the optimization results of GA that it will be more advantageous to grind Al/SiC composites at wheel velocity 43.9833 m/s, work piece velocity 26.7181 m/min with a feed of 0.0552 m/min and depth of cut of 9.1082 µm. It is found from the results of optimization that the material removal rate increases by 10 times, by increasing the roughness constraint from 0.15 to 0.45 µm and this ensures that the MRR is more influenced by the roughness constraint. This methodology would be useful for identifying the optimum grinding parameters in order to achieve the required MRR with a constraint on roughness.

Conclusions

The experimental investigations of this study indicate that the grinding parameters such as wheel velocity, work piece velocity, feed and depth of cut are the primary influencing factors during the cylindrical grinding of Al/SiC composites. The experimental results are used to calculate the analysis of variance (ANOVA) which explains the significant grinding parameters affecting the responses such as tangential grinding force, roughness and grinding temperature. The results of ANOVA for responses indicate that all the four grinding variables are significant at 95% confidence interval and the interactions between them are not significant at the same confidence interval.

In this work, optimal grinding parameters are obtained using GA, for maximization of material removal, computed by the models developed, with a set of constraints on roughness. The results of optimization show that the material removal rate increases by 10 times by increasing the roughness constraint from 0.15 to 0.45 µm and thus ensuring that the MRR is more influenced by the roughness constraint. The results obtained would serve to understand the process better and widen the applications of low fracture toughness composite materials. This methodology establishes the optimization of Al/SiC composites grinding and hence facilitates the effective use of Al/SiC composites in industrial applications.

Paper received 27 February 2011.

Paper accepted 9 August 2011.

Technical Editor: Anselmo Diniz

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    10 Apr 2012
  • Date of issue
    Mar 2012

History

  • Received
    27 Feb 2011
  • Accepted
    09 Aug 2011
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