Title: Analysis of multi objective optimisation using TOPSIS method in EDM process with CNT infused copper electrode

Authors: S. Oliver Nesa Raj; Sethuramalingam Prabhu

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM University, Chennai – 603203, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM University, Chennai – 603203, India

Abstract: This paper presents the experimental investigation of the machining characteristics of AISI D2 tool steel on the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process by replacing the copper electrode tool with carbon nanotube (CNT) fused electrode, and checking for improvement in machinability factors like material removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR) and surface finish (SR). The problems of high electrode wear in EDM machining, such as poor dimensional and shape accuracy of the machined part, need to be addressed. The work material is spark machined with pure copper and CNT-infused copper electrodes by varying parameters on an EDM. The results of the machining characteristics with and without the CNT are compared and analysed using Taguchi analysis. This study investigates the optimisation of EDM parameters for AISI D2 tool steel using TOPSIS method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and F-test are used to check the validity of regression model and determine the significant parameter affecting the surface roughness.

Keywords: multiwall CNTs; MWCNTs; carbon nanotubes; Taguchi methods; CNT copper electrodes; analysis of variance; ANOVA; TOPSIS; nanotechnology; multi objective optimisation; EDM; electrical discharge machining; electro-discharge machining; tool steel; material removal rate; MRR; electrode wear rate; EWR; surface finish; surface roughness; surface quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2017.081190

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2017 Vol.19 No.1, pp.76 - 94

Received: 28 Aug 2015
Accepted: 13 Nov 2015
Published online: 26 Dec 2016 *

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