Review on Machining Aspects in Metal Matrix and Ceramic Matrix Composites Using Abrasive Waterjet

Abstract

Abrasive waterjet machining (AWJM) is one of the non-traditional machining processes used for machining hard and difficult materials including metal matrix composites (MMCs) and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). MMCs and CMCs are widely used in the industries such as automobile, aerospace, defense, etc. In AWJM, the material is removed by a narrow stream of high pressure water along with abrasive particles. This work, reviews the research work carried out on the machining aspects of MMCs and CMCs using AJWM. Most of the research work in MMCs is carried out on aluminum based matrix reinforced with ceramics such as silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) in various proportions. In the case of CMCs, the research work mostly are carried out on alumina (Al2O3) based work specimen. Generally, it is observed that the reinforcement particles in the MMCs and CMCs greatly influence the output process parameters like depth of the cut, material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (Ra), kerf width, etc. From the literature review, it is observed that the increase in volume percentage of reinforced abrasive particles results in decreased MRR, decreased in the depth of cut and increase in the Ra. This work also covers the future research work in the machining aspects of MMCs and CMCs.