Multiple response optimisation of process parameters during drilling of GFRP composite with a solid carbide twist drill

Abstract

The article focuses on investigating the effect of operational parameters like feed and speed along with the composite material thickness on the damages caused in the glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites during the drilling process. The GFRP composite studied in the presented work comprises E-glass fibre as the reinforcing material and the marine-grade isophthalic polyester as the binding matrix. Multiple responses considered in work comprises Peel-up delamination, push-down delamination and surface roughness. The technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is used to develop the performance index and optimise the multiple response problem. Stepwise analysis of variance (S-ANOVA) is used to investigate the significance of each input parameter. The interaction effects of the variables are investigated using the response surface plots. The results indicate that the composite thickness contributes maximum towards the variance in the overall performance index (21.30%) and the optimum combination obtained using TOPSIS approach within the experimental limits for the selected GFRP is N3f1t1 with the maximum value of Pi (0.888). The regression model developed proves to have high goodness of fit with just 6.01% average error between predicted and experimental values.