PARAMETER OPTIMIZATION OF EDM FOR Mg/SiCp COMPOSITE USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Abstract
Magnesium is reinforced with three different weight percentages (5%, 10% and 15%) of SiC particles (200 mesh size) by stir casting technique to fabricate Mg/SiCp composites. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, micro and macro hardness of three different composites are investigated. The comparison of micro and macro hardness clearly shows that increase in the weight percentage of SiC contributed to increase in hardness. However, uniform dispersion of SiC can be achieved while adding 5% SiC in the composite. Then, the Box Behnken experimental design in response surface methodology is employed for machining 3mm diameter hole in the Mg/SiCp samples using EDM. The second-order model for Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Tool Wear Rate (TWR) are developed with the influencing parameters of weight percentage of SiC, current, pulse on time and pulse off time. The parameter optimization yields maximum MRR and minimum TWR.
