Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Process parameters of AWJM on core mat – CFRP by Grey relation analysis and Fuzzy reasoning grade

Abstract

The present paper attempts to optimize machining parameters of Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) Machining using Taguchi & Grey-Taguchi methodology. In AWJ machining process, high velocity water containing abrasive particles is used to cut different materials ranging from soft to hard and ductile to brittle materials. Control parameters like pressure, abrasive flow, standoff distance and feed rate have been considered to ensure two conflicting responses – higher material removal rate (MRR) and lower surface roughness (Ra) simultaneously by a single parametric combination. The L9 orthogonal array design is followed for the purpose of experimentation. The well-known S/N ratio analysis is performed along with ANOVA to establish the prominent variables that govern the responses separately. Finally Grey Relational Analysis is performed to optimize multiple performances in which different level combinations of the factors are ranked based on grey relational grade. The same is validated by using Grey fuzzy relation. The analysis reveals that substantial improvement in machining.