Optimisation of AWJM Process Parameters for Machining Granite using PCA Methodology

Abstract

In Abrasive water jet machining, abrasive particles along with high pressure water are used to intrude on the work materials ranges from soft to hard materials using high velocity jet. The process parameters considered in this research for machining the granite are pressure, standoff-distance and cut quality. Experimental investigation had been carried out, in order to identify the impact of varying the input machining parameters on the results like kerf angle, material removal rate and roughness of the machined surface. In this study, Taguchi’s Multi response technique namely principal component analysis had been used to optimize the input parameters of the abrasive jet machine to obtain the desired outcome on granite work piece and also to foresee the best optimal input machining values of abrasive jet machining such as pressure, standoff-distance and cut quality. For each sequence of Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, sufficient number of experimentations had been carried out. Then with the help of principal component analysis, optimal process parameters that influence the granite machining characteristics have identified and to validate the experimentation, confirmation tests also been carried out with required combinations of array.