Investigation of Physical Characteristics and Machining Parameters of Improved Al-SiC MMC Using Dry EDM Process for Aerospace Industries

Abstract

Aluminium-based composite is widely used in aerospace and automobile industries because it is lighter in weight; but the trouble is that it is easily worn-out and life of the components is decreased. To overcome these problems, aluminium silicon carbide composite material has been developed with good wear-resistance, hardness and lighter weight. Silicon carbide has good mechanical properties like wear resistance, hardness, toughness and high melting point. Silicon carbide weight fractions (20, 25, 30 and 35% respectively) have been added to the aluminium matrix to improve the mechanical properties of the composite material. Aluminium silicon carbide composite material properties have been checked for microstructure examination, compressive strength, and hardness. Developed aluminium silicon carbide composite material has been machined using dry EDM process because it is used in an eco-friendly environment, good surface finishing for harder components. A special dry EDM machining unit attachment has been developed on present oil-based EDM machine. Experiments have been carried out using compressed air as a dielectric fluid and copper tubular electrode with varying input parameters like silicon carbide %, discharge current, gap voltage, and pulse-on time, spindle rotational speed and compressed air pressure to check the effect on output parameters like; material removal rate, tool wear rate and surface roughness. And also the effect of individual parameters have been analyzed on output parameters using design of experiment based on center composite design method of response surface methodology.

Cite this Article
Chirag Patel, Mangal Bhatt. Investigation of Physical Characteristics and Machining Parameters of Improved Al-SiC MMC Using Dry EDM Process for Aerospace Industries. Journal of Experimental & Applied Mechanics. 2018; 9(1): 15–32p.