Application of response surface methodology for determining cutting force model in turning of LM6/SiCP metal matrix composite

In the present investigation an attempt is made to evaluate the effect of certain cutting variables on cutting forces in straight turning of aluminum metal matrix composites under dry cutting condition. Cutting speed, depth of cut and weight percentage of SiCP are selected as the influencing parameters. The application of response surface methodology and face centered composite design for modeling, optimization, and an analysis of the influences of dominant cutting parameters on tangential cutting force, axial cutting force and radial cutting force of aluminum metal matrix composites produced through stir casting route. Experiments are carried out using aluminum (LM6) alloy reinforced with silicon carbide particles. The mathematical models are developed and tested for adequacy using analysis of variance and other adequacy measures using the developed models. The predicted values and measured values are fairly close, which indicate that the developed models can be effectively used to predict the responses in the turning of aluminum metal matrix composites. The contour plots of the process parameters revel that the low cutting forces are associated with the lowest level of depth of cut and the highest level of cutting speed and the sensitivity analysis revealed that cutting speed is most significant factor influencing the response variables investigated. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.