Abstract
Taguchi method was applied to assess and optimize machining parameters and their effect on kerf characteristics during abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) of carbon fiber reinforced polymeric composites (CFRPCs). The main responses selected for these analyses are kerf width, kerf taper, metal removal rate, and surface roughness, the consistent machining parameters focussed for this study are abrasive flow rate, pressure, traverse rate, thickness of the workpiece and standoff distance, each parameter has three levels. Twenty-seven experiments were conducted on a typical CFRP composite workpiece materials based on Taguchi L27 design. The response curves and response tables were used to assess the data obtained to control the major significant process factors statistically affecting the kerf characteristics. The optimal settings of process parameters for each response are set up. From the analysis, it was detected that the percentage contribution of the control factors affecting the kerf width is standoff distance, workpiece thickness, abrasive flow rate, traverse rate, and pressure correspondingly. The results exposed that the thickness, feed rate, and standoff distance were the most significant factors affecting the kerf taper, metal removal rate, and surface roughness respectively.