Parametric Appraisal of WEDM using Harmony Search Algorithm

Abstract

The work presents a multi response optimization approach to determine the optimal process parameters in wire electrical discharge machining process during taper cutting operation. Experiments have been conducted using six process parameters such as part thickness, taper angle, pulse duration, discharge current, wire speed and wire tension each at three levels for obtaining the responses like angular error, surface roughness, and cutting speed. Taguchi's L27 orthogonal array is used to gather information regarding the process with less number of experimental runs. Traditional Taguchi approach is insufficient to solve a multi response optimization problem. In order to overcome this limitation, techniques for order preferences by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method has been implemented, to convert multi-responses into single equivalent response called closeness co-efficient index. The relationship between input parameters and closeness coefficient index is developed by regression analysis, resulting a valid mathematical model. Finally, the optimum parameter setting is obtained by a new metaheuristic algorithm, Harmonic search algorithm.