Optimization of machining parameters of Al/SiC-MMC with ANOVA and ANN analysis

In recent years, the utilization of metal matrix composites (MMC) materials in many engineering fields has increased tremendously Accordingly the need for accurate machining of composites has also increased enormously Despite the recent developments in the near net shape manufacture, composite parts often require post-mold machining to meet dimensional tolerances, surface quality and other functional requirements. In the present work, the surface roughness of AI-SiC (20p) has been studied in this paper by turning the composite bars using coarse grade polycrystalline diamond (PCD) insert under different cutting conditions. Experimental data collected are tested with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. Multilayer perceptron model has been constructed with back-propagation algorithm using the input parameters of depth of cut, cutting speed and feed. Output parameter is surface finish of the machined component. On completion of the experimental test, ANOVA and an ANN are used to validate the results obtained and also to predict the behavior of the system under any condition within the operating range. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.