Analysis and optimisation of machinability behavior of GFRP composites using fuzzy logic
Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures
ISSN: 1573-6105
Article publication date: 8 June 2015
Abstract
Purpose
Glass fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) contain two phases of materials with drastically distinguished mechanical and thermal properties, which brings in complicated interactions between the matrix and the reinforcement during machining. Surface quality and dimensional precision will greatly affect parts during their useful life especially in cases where the components will be in contact with other elements or materials during their useful life. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of the Taguchi method with fuzzy logic to optimise the machining parameters for machining of GFRP composites with multiple characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
The machining tests were performed on a CNC milling machine using solid carbide (K10) End mill cutting tool with three different helix angles. Experiments were planned using Taguchi’s orthogonal array with the cutting conditions prefixed.
Findings
The machining parameters, namely, helix angle of the end mill cutter, spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and work piece fibre orientation (specially applied to the GFRP composites) were optimised with considerations of multiple response characteristics, including machining force, material removal rate, and delamination. The results from confirmation runs indicated that the determined optimal combination of machining parameters improved the performance of the machining process.
Originality/value
Multi-response optimisation of machinability behaviour of GFRP composites using fuzzy logic has not been attempted previously.
Keywords
Citation
Mugundhu, J.P., Subramanian, S. and Subramanian, A. (2015), "Analysis and optimisation of machinability behavior of GFRP composites using fuzzy logic", Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 102-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/MMMS-04-2014-0020
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited