Multi-objective optimization of process parameters in dry sliding wear characteristics of Al/sic composites using Taguchi grey relation analysis

Abstract

Aluminium/ silicon carbide (Al/SiC) metal matrix composites are widely used in the automotive applications owing to its remarkable tribological properties. In this study, the metal matrix composites with 7.5% SiC (weight proportion) are prepared by stir casting method. To study the influence of process parameters, experiments are designed using L09 orthogonal array. Three parameters, namely sliding speed, load and Sliding Distance, are considered in the present work. The effect of these parameters on friction and wear rate of Al 6061/ SiC metal matrix composites are analyzed. Testing is conducted to access the wear rate and friction. Taguchi grey relation analysis is used to estimate the optimum process parameters. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is conducted to identify significant and non-significant factors. The load applied is found to be the most significant factor. The optimal process parameters are found to be the sliding distance 500 m, load 10 N and sliding speed 4 m/s. The R2 value of the Taguchi grey-based model is found to be 99.44 percentage. Confirmation tests are conducted to verify the optimized results. Metallurgical analysis confirms the defect-free Al/Sic composites with improved tribological properties.