Aggregation multiplicative rule for optimal parametric identification of electric discharge machined AA6061/Al2O3/10p composite

Abstract

The effectiveness of any machining process depends significantly on the suitable selection of machining parameters that can aid in achieving the desired properties. This is a challenging task due to numerous conflicting performance measures. The need for a systematic and scientific tool is therefore apparent. To this end, the present research work explores the potential application of a novel appraisal mechanism in the form of aggregation multiplicative rule to appraise and identify the optimal processing condition for the electric discharge machining of AA6061/Al2O3/10p composite. The proper selection of process parameters in the electric discharge machining is essential to carry out the machining process with desired part tolerances, accuracy, and surface finish. In this connection, three input process parameters, viz., discharge current (Id), gap voltage (Vg), and discharge duration or pulse-on time (Ton), were considered. Their impact on the following output process parameters was investigated: material removal rate (MRR), wear ratio (WR), average surface roughness (Ra). Through the application of the aggregation multiplicative rule approach, it was revealed that the following input process parameters yielded the best output results for the electric discharge machining of AA6061/Al2O3/10p composite: Id (A) = 12 A, Vg (V) = 35 V and Ton (μs) = 200 μs.