Application of preference selection index method in performance (mechanical properties and sliding wear) based ranking of AA2024‐Al2O3/SiC alloy composites

Abstract

AbstractIn this research work, alumina/silicon‐carbide ceramic particulates are used to reinforce AA2024 with the objective of improvement in its mechanical performance so that it could be successfully applied for sliding wear applications e. g. counter‐surface of drum/disc in automobiles. The designed formulation was fabricated via semi‐automatic stir casting technique following standard industrial practice. Thereafter, the sample specimens were prepared as per ASTM standard dimensions and the physical/mechanical/sliding wear performance were evaluated and discussed. Taguchi design‐of‐experiment method was applied for designing of experimental runs and input control parameter optimization. The worn surface morphology studies were analyzed for understanding prevalent wear mechanism using field emission scanning electron microscope along with energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. Further, multi‐criteria‐decision‐making tool namely, preference selection index method (computationally simple and easy to understand) have been applied in‐order‐to rank the composites of the formulation. The obtained test results have ∼95 % confidence level. It has been observed that alloy‐matrix mechanical properties improve with reinforcement that enhances the sliding wear performance. It has been verified that the composite sample with equal amount of reinforcements shows superior mechanical as well as sliding wear performance and ranked highest by preference selection index method methods. This infers that design engineer may use multi‐criteria‐decision‐making technique like preference selection index in selection of materials reasonably.