応用機械工学ジャーナル

概要

Multi Response Optimization of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding of Al6063/15%Sicp Metal Matrix Composites

Rahul Choudhary

Material scientists and researchers in this area have been fulfilling the demand of the engineering sector since decades in synthesizing materials to attain the demanded properties to enhance efficiency and cost savings in the manufacturing sector Aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMCs) are becoming more popular as structural materials and joining them is therefore of paramount importance. Joining of advanced materials plays an increasingly important role in modern manufacturing industries. AMMCs have a unique combination of mechanical and physical properties, such as high specific strength, specific modulus of elasticity, low thermal expansion coefficient and good wear resistance; these are being widely used in aerospace engineering, automotive industry, electronic packaging, medical appliances, heat exchanger fins and other related industries. As these new materials become available it is necessary to define and optimize joining techniques, and a thorough understanding of process. The present work first deals with the fabrication of SiCp reinforced AMMCs (Al6063/15%SiCp) with Liquid Processing Technique, i.e. Stir casting method and later to seek for possibilities of successful joining with TIG process, for possible structural applications. The present study deals with an experimental study carried out in order to optimize the process parameters namely Frequency (Hz), Current (A), Shielding gas flow rate (l/m), Percentage time electrode positive (μs). The performance measures evaluated are namely Micro- hardness, (VHN) and Impact strength, (Joule), for Tig welding of Al6063/15%SiCp. The results have been analysed using Taguchis methodology. The optimal values of micro-hardness are A1B3C3D1 (frequency HF Hz, current 105 A, shielding gas flow rate 14 l/m, percentage time electrode positive 60 μs). The optimal values for impact strength are A2B1C1D3 (frequency LF Hz, current 85 A, shielding gas flow rate 10 l/m, percentage time electrode positive 70 μs).