Correlation between experimental and analytic approaches to study the erosion rate of aluminum-metal matrix composites

Abstract

The incorporation of a ceramic particles like SiC, Al2O3, and TiO2 into aluminum matrices results in aluminum composite with better mechanical and physical properties that make them attractive for various applications such as aircraft, helicopter, high-speed automobile, and submarine. In this study, the erosion properties of the aluminum composite were studied in dry conditions using sand blast-erosion test rig. Impact velocity, standoff distance, particle size, particulate (wt. %), and impingement angle were preferred as control factors. Taguchi method, Grey relational, and regression analysis were considered for optimizing the erosion process parameters. L27 orthogonal array was determined for the experimental trials. The most significant factors in the process were identified. Nonlinear regression model has been developed for Grey relational grade in relation to the different erosion parameters. An optimization schema is established based on a correlation between analytic and experimental results.