Effect of SiC and TiO2 Nanoparticles on Machinability of AA7178 Metal Matrix Composite: A Comparative Analysis Using Taguchi and GRA Approaches

In this study, a comparison is made between the Taguchi and the GRA strategy for enhancing the machinability of AA7178 metal matrix composites that are reinforced with SiC and TiO2 nanoparticles. The composites were produced using a stir casting method, and their machinability was studied using a lathe. The investigation that was carried out with the assistance of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the reinforcement particles were dispersed uniformly over the surface of the aluminum matrix. The machining behavior of the composites was extensively investigated using the Taguchi approach and gray relational analysis. The feed had the greatest effect on the surface roughness of AA7178 + 3wt.% SiC(S1) and AA7178 + 3wt.% TiO2(T1) nanocomposites, respectively, as determined by ANOVA. In contrast, the cutting force for S1 and T1 nanocomposite was most affected by the depth of cut and the cutting speed. An examination of the variance of gray relationship grade revealed that cutting speed had a significant effect on both surface roughness and cutting force for S1 and T1, i.e., 59.76% and 71.40%, respectively. Abrasion and built-up edge were the primary causes of tool wear for both materials.