Hybrid aluminium matrix composite AWJ turning using olivine and Barton garnet

Abstract

The paper deals with the tangential abrasive water jet turning of hybrid aluminium matrix composite fabricated by electromagnetic stir casting technology, consisting A359 aluminium alloy as base matrix and 2% B4C and 2% Al2O3 as reinforcing particles with final workpiece diameter of 14.5 mm. The influence of abrasive mass flow rate within 100–400 g/min using two different abrasive grains—olivine and Barton garnet—was studied. Abrasive grains were fed to the water stream created by water orifice of diameter 0.33 mm at pressure level of 300 MPa and a stand-off distance 8 mm. Abrasive type and abrasive mass flow rate, as important technological factors, are evaluated, and topography of created surfaces is analysed using optical profilometry and microscopy methods. A diameter reduction of 25–30% was observed during the experiments. The lowest average roughness value of 6.64 μm was obtained using olivine grains at an abrasive mass flow rate of 400 g/min. The topographical detail of the machined surface revealed several cutting traces, grooves and furrows which show the ploughing nature.