Title: Factor analysis of machining parameters of SiC nanoparticle-reinforced magnesium matrix composites with consideration of cluster effect

Authors: Chongyang Gao; Xiaomeng Zhao

Addresses: The State Key Lab of Fluid Power Transmission and Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China ' The State Key Lab of Fluid Power Transmission and Control, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China

Abstract: With increasing attention in recent years, metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) exhibit a prospective potential to be applied in many fields especially in aerospace industries due to their excellent properties such as high strength-to-density ratio, high wear resistance and long fatigue life. A micromechanical finite element (FE) model of machining of MMNCs is established in this paper to get a better understanding of their machinability. A random distribution algorithm (RDA) has been developed and introduced in the FE model to describe the actual random cluster distribution of nanoparticles, which is different from the ideal array-pattern distribution in traditional models. Based on the FE simulation results, the influence of each machining parameter on the key responses is first analysed, respectively. Then, the comprehensive influences of these machining parameters are quantitatively compared by using the multi-factorial analysis method so as to determine the most important factors in machining of MMNCs.

Keywords: metal matrix nanocomposites; MMNCs; machinability; factor analysis; random cluster distribution; simulation; nanotechnology; SiC nanoparticles; silicon carbide; magnesium matrix composites; micromechanics; finite element method; FEM; modelling; machining parameters.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2015.070923

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2015 Vol.17 No.2, pp.165 - 181

Received: 04 Feb 2015
Accepted: 16 Feb 2015
Published online: 31 Jul 2015 *

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