Multi-objective optimisation of dry sliding wear control parameters for stir casted AA7075- TiO₂ composites using Taguchi-Grey relational approach

ABSTRACT

The current investigation aims to predict the dry sliding wear performance of AA7075-TiO₂ metal matrix composites via Taguchi based grey relational analysis. The AA7075-TiO₂ composites were produced by x wt%. of TiO₂ particles (X = 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt.%) through stir casting route. The SEM micrographs evident the TiO₂ reinforcement particles were homogeneously distributed in to the AA7075 matrix. To measure the frictional force and the mass loss of the produced composites under dry sliding conditions of pin-on-disc instrument was utilised. The experimental works were performed to as per Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal array utilising four process parameters namely reinforcement (wt.%), applied load (N), sliding velocity (m/s) and sliding distance (m). Main effect plot and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of each parameter on the wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF). From the investigations the results found that, the reinforcement weight percentage has to be more significant factor on the wear rate and COF subsequently applied load. A confirmation experiment was also conducted to confirm the prediction of the results attained by the optimum parameter combination. Finally, the SEM micrograph was used to examine the worn out surface of the composites.

KEYWORDS:

• AA7075
• TiO₂
• microstructure
• dry sliding wear
• coefficient of friction
• grey relational analysis
• ANOVA
• worn Surface analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alagarsamy S.V

S.V. Alagarsamy is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mahath Amma Institute Engineering and Technology, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India. He received his BE in Mechanical Engineering from PTR College of Engineering and Technology, Madurai. He received his ME degree with specialities in Manufacturing Engineering from Chendhuran College of Engineering and Technology, Pudukkottai, India and received his PhD from the Anna University, Chennai, India. His area of interest includes composite materials, tribology, machining of composite materials and optimisation.

Ravichandran M

M.Ravichandran is presently working as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Department at K. Ramakrishnan College of Engineering, Tiruchirappalli, India. He received his BE in Mechanical from Bharathidasan University, M.Tech in Manufacturing Engineering from the SASTRA University and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Anna University. His research areas include powder metallurgy, composite materials, machining and optimisation.

Meignanamoorthy M

M. Meignanamoorthy is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mother Terasa College of Engineering and Technology, Pudukkottai, India. He received his BE in Mechanical Engineering from Arasu Engineering College, Kumbakonam. He received his ME degree with specialities in Manufacturing Engineering from Chendhuran College of Engineering and Technology, Pudukkottai, India and received his PhD from the Anna University, Chennai, India. His area of interest includes composite materials, powder metallurgy, materials characterisation and optimisation.