Modelling and analysis on wear behaviour of aluminium metal matrix composites: a statistical approach

This paper presents the influence of wear parameters on the wear rate of Al/ZrO2 composites. The composite has been fabricated by a stir casting route and heat treated at 490 degrees C for 5 h and then quenched in water followed by artificially aged at 150 degrees C for 7 h. The tribological behaviour of the composites against EN32 steel was studied using a pin on disc type wear test rig. The mathematical model to predict the wear rate of the Al/ZrO2 composites has been expressed in terms of reinforcement volume fraction, applied load, sliding speed and sliding distances using a four-factor, five-level central composite design matrix approach by response surface method. The morphology and topography of the worn surface wear were studied using a scanning electron microscope. The effect of wear parameters on the wear rate of the composites was analysed by a statistical method.