Parametric Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining of Metal Matrix Composites Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

The present study reports on the method used to obtain the reliable outcomes for different responses in electric discharge machining (EDM) of metal matrix composites (MMCs). The analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multiple criteria decision-making technique, was used to achieve the target outcomes. The process parameters were varied to evaluate their effect on the material erosion rate (MER), surface roughness (SR), and residual stresses (σ) following Taguchi’s experimental design. The process parameters, such as the electrode material (Cu, Gr, Cu-Gr), current, pulse duration, and dielectric medium, were selected for the analysis. The residual stresses induced due to the spark pulse temperature gradient between the electrode were of primary concern during machining. The optimum process parameters that affected the responses were selected using AHP to figure out the most suitable conditions for the machining of MMCs.

Keywords

• analytical hierarchy process
• residual stress
• metal erosion rate
• surface roughness