Studies on machinability and surface characteristerization of aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites by abrasive water jet machining

Abstract

Abrasive water jet machining technology is preferred in industries in view of environmentally friendly operations and absence of hazardous chemicals involved. This machining technology is broadly applied to a variety of engineering materials in order to achieve the desired quality in the components. The selection of Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) process parameters and the type of abrasive material and its mesh size in the achievement of the desired quality characteristics in the components is a difficult task. Any abrasive material with a desired mesh size plays a major role in deciding the quality of components. The Fabrication of aluminium-based hybrid metal matrix composites is done through addition of hard ceramic reinforcement materials namely B4C and ZrSiO4employed in high-temperature applications such as aircraft engines. The addition hard ceramic reinforcement materials to aluminium alloy enhances the properties over metal matrix composites. The benefits of the addition of hard ceramic reinforcement materials to aluminium alloys include higher stiffness, strength, wear resistance, fatigue resistance, damping characteristics, reduced weight, notch sensitivity, and thermal distortion. Out of the various hybrid metal matrix composites, aluminium-based HMMCs are highly focused by researchers due to their properties and wide applications. Problem seen in the conventional machining of aluminium-based HMMCs include undesirable cutting force developed, tool failure, dimensional inaccuracy, and lower surface finish. newline