Optimization of Process Parameter in Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Blue-Fired Grain-Reinforced Glass Fiber Polymer Composite

Abstract

Abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) is the non-traditional machining process which is mostly employed for cutting non-conductive materials. The present work concentrates on the AWJ machining study of various compositions (5, 15 and 25%) of blue-fired alumina-reinforced polymer composite. The addition of reinforcement improved mechanical properties which may affect the machining characteristics. The experiment was conducted by varying the experimental process parameters of pressure, abrasive flow rate, and standoff distance. Kerf angle and surface roughness were affecting process parameters which are required to optimize for quality cutting. The results show that the pressure and standoff distance have a direct correlation with the surface roughness and kerf taper angle. Higher pressure and shortest standoff distance show a smooth surface roughness due to no appreciable loss of kinetic energy in cutting wear zone. Similarly, the increase in the reinforcement percentage increases surface roughness and kerf angle. Fiber delamination and grain embedment in the matrix were studied using an optical microscope.