Title: Optimisation of friction stir processing parameters to fabricate AA6063/SiC surface composites using Taguchi technique

Authors: Manu Srivastava; Sandeep Rathee; Sachin Maheshwari; Arshad Noor Siddiquee

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Gwalior, India ' Division of Manufacturing Processes and Automation Engineering, Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, A Central University, New Delhi, India

Abstract: Fabrication of metal matrix surface composites is an emerging trend of friction stir processing (FSP) applications. This research proposes fabrication of AA 6063/SiC surface composites (SCs) using FSP. Influences of FSP process parameters viz. tool rotational speed, traverse speed and tilt angle were investigated on the distribution of reinforcement particles and mechanical properties of SCs. Experiments were designed using Taguchi technique. Optimum combinations of process parameters were determined for higher microhardness and ultimate tensile strength respectively using signal/noise ratio graphs, response tables and analysis of variance method. Results revealed that the uniform dispersion of reinforcement particles and appreciable improvement in mechanical properties was achieved by employing optimal combinations of 1,400 rpm tool rotational speed, 40 mm/min traverse speed and 2.5° tilt angle. About 46% enhancement in microhardness was achieved with optimal parameters as compared to base metal. Conclusions of this research clearly correlate microstructural observations with mechanical properties and reinforcement distribution.

Keywords: surface modification; friction stir processing; FSP; aluminium metal matrix composites; AMMCs; microstructure; mechanical properties.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2019.096926

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2019 Vol.58 No.1, pp.16 - 31

Received: 09 Oct 2017
Accepted: 22 May 2018
Published online: 13 Dec 2018 *

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