Optimisation of cutting conditions in machining of aluminium matrix composites using a numerical and experimental model

In this paper, a methodology aiming at the selection of the optimised values for cutting conditions in machining processes, as turning and drilling aluminium matrix composites is proposed. An hybrid technique based on an evolutionary search over a design space obtained by experimental way is considered. The machining forces, the surface finish and the tool wear are experimentally measured considering the feed and the cutting velocity as predefined parameters. Using genetic algorithms for the optimal search of cutting conditions, the chromosomes represent cutting conditions defined according to a temporal scale and are composed by random keys. The merit functions are established based on multicriteria and evaluated using the experimental values obtained for the machining forces, the surface finish and the tool wear. The evolution of the solutions is based on an elitist strategy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.