Application of Particle Swarm Optimization for Achieving Desired Surface Roughness in Tungsten-Copper Alloy Machining

Abstract

The tungsten-copper electrodes are used in the manufacture of die steel and tungsten carbide workpieces due to high thermal and electrical conductivity of copper, spark erosion resistance, low thermal expansion coefficient, better arc-resistance, non-welding, and high melting temperature of tungsten. Since a tungsten-copper electrode is more expensive than traditional electrodes; there is a need to study the machinability aspects, especially the surface roughness of turned components, which has a greater influence on product quality. This chapter deals with the application of response surface methodology (RSM) for the development surface roughness model for turning of tungsten-copper alloy. The experiments were planned as per full factorial design (FFD) with cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut as the process parameters. The proposed surface roughness model was employed with particle swarm optimization (PSO) to optimize the parameters. PSO program gives the minimum values of surface roughness and the corresponding optimal machining parameters.