Optimization of Multi-Performance Characteristics during Drilling of GFRP (Epoxy) Composites by Harmony Search Algorithm

In this article, drilling experiments were performed on GFRP composite plates using CNC drilling machine. The drilling parameters mainly drill speed, feed rate and drill diameter were chosen to analyze their effects on thrust force, torque and surface roughness. Drilling experiments on GFRP have been carried out using L-16 orthogonal array based on Taguchi's philosophy with four levels for each process parameters. In order to simultaneous optimization of aforesaid performance characteristics, fuzzy inference system (FIS) has been applied. FIS converts the multi responses into single objective response i.e. MPCI. The study implemented nonlinear regression analysis to derive a mathematical relationship for MPCI in terms of process parameters. Relative average error has been computed to check the efficiency of this predicted model. This mathematical model is treated as objective function in harmony search algorithm to obtain the favorable machining condition. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.