Experimental investigation of machinability and geometrical behavior of Titanium Alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) using Abrasive Waterjet Circular cut using Response Surface Methodology-Desirability approach
Abstract In the current study, the research explored the effect of the process parameters on the Titanium Alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) to improve the machining, surface and geometric characteristics of the circular cut-off profile by determining the optimum parameters for the Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM). The input parameters considered are the Abrasive Flow Rate (AFR), Stand-off Distance (SoD), and Traverse Rate (TR). There are various input parameters to evaluate output parameters like Circularity, Cylindricity, and Surface Roughness (SR) of the circular cut profile. The experiments are conducted using Central Composite Design (CCD) in the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out to define most influenced process parameters and percentage of contribution. The RSM is used to predict the mathematical models for formulating the objective function using experimental results. RSM desirability approach is included in the method for determining optimum levels and discerning impacts on response variables of machining parameters. Confirmation tests with an optimum level of machining parameters have been completed to determine the adequacy of the RSM. In addition to that, the cutting profiles are also analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The Atomic Force Microscope(AFM) is often used to verify the minimum Surface Roughness of the AWJM machined surface.