[01] Shouvik Ghosh, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Sikkim, India. [02] Prasanta Sahoo, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India. [03] Goutam Sutradhar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.

In the present paper the friction performance of Al-SiC metal matrix composite is optimized using Taguchi method. The composites are prepared by sand casting process using LM6 aluminium alloy and silicon carbide particles (size ~ 37 µm) by varying the weight fraction of SiC in the range of 5% - 10%. The prepared composite is then subjected to friction testing in a multi-tribotester using block on roller setup. The experimental procedure is designed based on L₂₇ orthogonal array using volume fraction, applied load and sliding speed as design variables. From the results coefficient of friction is taken as response for the present optimization study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed to find out the significance of each process parameter and their interactions. Lastly, confirmation tests are carried out for validate the results. It is found that highest level of volume fraction, mid level of load and highest level of sliding speed yields minimum friction. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the wear mechanism to be predominantly abrasive.

Al-SiC Composite, Friction, Taguchi Method

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