Determination of solid particle erosion with Taguchi optimization approach of hybrid composite systems

This empirical study investigates the solid particle erosion wear behavior of a new composite material made of glass fiber and epoxy as the main materials and (Al2O3+SiO2) particulates added into the structure at the amount of 30% [15% (Al2O3)+15% (SiO2)] of the resin used for the composite. The tests were carried out by selecting three different impact velocities (23, 34, 53 m/s), three different impingement angles (30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees) and angular alumina erodents having approximate sizes of 200 mu m. The fiber directions were used 0/90/0, 45/-45/45 and 90/0/90. An erosion test facility at room temperature and Taguchi's orthogonal arrays were used for experimentation. Moreover, an optimal parameter combination was determined, which led to minimization of erosion rate (ER). (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.