Electrical discharge machining parameters optimization using response surface methodology and fuzzy logic modeling

This paper describes the application of the fuzzy logic analysis coupled to Central Composite Design to optimize the parameters of the carbon nanotube (CNT) mixed in dielectric fluids used in electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. This work investigates the surface characteristics of AISI D2 Tool Steel with graphite as a tool electrode during EDM process. The multiwall carbon nanotube is mixed with dielectric fluids to analyze the surface roughness and micro-cracks using atomic force microscope measurements. Response surface model has been developed to predict the surface roughness for EDM parameters. Analysis of variance and F test have been used to check the validity of response surface model and determine the significant process parameter affecting the surface roughness. A fuzzy logic model has been used to investigate relationships between the machining parameters and determine the efficiency of each parameter with and without using CNT-based EDM process.