Effect of Stir Casting Process Parameters on Properties of Aluminium Composites – Taguchi’s Analysis

Abstract

The need for lightweight materials in various industries, increased fuel price, requirement of improved mechanical, thermal properties leads to the development of aluminium metal matrix composites. Stir casting method is employed for preparing composite consisting of aluminium die casting -12 alloy and reinforcement of 10 % by weight proportion of silicon carbide. Taguchi’s experimental analysis is employed for varying the process parameters of stir casting method like process temperature, stirring time and stirring speed. Tests were conducted to measure mechanical property like compressive strength, wear property such as sliding wear, micro abrasion and thermal property like coefficient of thermal expansion.  An attempt has been made to study the unrelated properties like compressive strength, sliding wear resistance, micro abrasion wear and coefficient of thermal expansion of aluminium composites by Principal Component Analysis method. The experimental investigation shows that increase in processing temperature reduces sliding wear, micro abrasion wear and coefficient of thermal expansion and also increases compressive strength.