Wear conduct of aluminum matrix composites: A parametric strategy using Taguchi based GRA integrated with weight method

The present work concentrates on the preparation of AA6063-SiC metal matrix composites and analysis of wear properties using the hybrid Taguchi-GRA-Weight method. AA6063 al-alloy matrix composites were prepared by liquid metallurgy stir casting process by varying the weight fraction of SiC particles in steps of 3.5 weight percentage. The SiC particles of average particle size 37 mu m were varied in three steps viz, 3.5, 7, and 10.5%. The experiments were performed in accordance with the L-27 Taguchi orthogonal array to get the wear data in a controlled manner. Effect of three process parameters, Load (N), Sliding distance (m) and wt. % of SiC on the quality characteristics wear and frictional force in non lubricated dry slippery states was analyzed by using pin-on-disc wear and friction monitor. The optimum level of process parameters was obtained by using GRA for multiple quality characteristics. ANOVA was used to analyze the effect of individual process parameters on wear and frictional force. The experimental outcomes confirmed that the wear behavior of the prepared composites enhanced under optimal trial states. The wear examination results detailed that lower load of 20 N and moderate weight percentage (7 wt. % SiC) and sliding distance (1,046m) produced minimum wear in the fabricated matrix composites. The optical microscopic analysis of the worn out specimens was also carried out to describe the wear mechanism. The validation of the predicted values done through confirmation experiment at optimal variable setting has shown a good agreement with the worn surface morphology.