Multi-Response Optimization in Drilling of Glass Epoxy Polymer Composites Using Simulated Annealing Approach

Abstract

The glass epoxy polymer composites are broadly used in various engineering fields because of outstanding properties. Even if, these composites are produced as near net shapes, the machining has to be carried out in the last stage of manufacture. Drilling is used to install the fasteners for assembly of laminates, but drilling of composites is somewhat complex task owing to exceedingly abrasive nature of reinforcement. Hence the choice of optimal process parameters is essential for successful machining performance. This paper illustrates the application of simulated annealing (SA) approach for simultaneous minimization of various machinability aspects such as thrust force, hole surface roughness and specific cutting coefficient during drilling of glass epoxy polymer composites. The experiments were performed as per full factorial design (FFD) for glass epoxy composites (without filler) and silicon carbide (SiC) filled glass epoxy composites materials. The mathematical models of proposed machinability characteristics were constructed using response surface methodology (RSM) with spindle speed and feed as controllable factors. The experimental investigation indicates that the SiC filled glass epoxy composite provides better machinability compared to glass epoxy composite without the addition of filler. The proposed machinability models were then utilized with SA to select the optimal parameters such as spindle speed and feed, which results in minimal thrust force, hole surface roughness and specific cutting coefficient.