The TOPSIS method to identify the optimal machining condition with reduced particle emission during machining of the Al-Si based 1%SiC reinforced nanocomposite material

Abstract

The machining was done following the Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. The work - piece was Al-Si based silicon carbide nanoparticle reinforced nanocomposite material. The objective of the present study is to identify the machining condition such that the emission of the particle during the machining of the nanocomposite is minimized. The health problem arises due to the emission of the particle during the machining of the nanocomposite. The machining was performed on the lathe by using the Tungaloy made carbide tool insert. The speed (v), feed (f) and depth of cut (DOC, d) were the machining parameters. The chip reduction coefficient (CRC) and surface roughness (Ra) were the measured output responses. The scanning electron microscopy was performed for the chip surfaces. The TOPSIS (Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) method was applied to optimize the machining parameters. The method is very effective to optimize the machining parameters. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to find out the influential parameters for CRC and Ra minimization. The optimal solution was found for v = 122.02 m/min, feed = 0.06 mm/rev., and d = 1.5 mm. The optimal solution was validated with a qualitative assessment. This ensured the novelty of the work. The studies on chip types, machined surfaces etc. further indicated that the TOPSIS method was very effective in identifying the optimal parameters with reduced particle emission.