Investigation of sustainability in machining processes: exergy analysis of turning operations

Optimisation of the machining process in terms of minimum cost and minimum energy consumption has already been presented in the literature. This paper is aimed at developing a new methodology for optimising the process to improve the machining sustainability aspects. The exergy analysis method is employed for investigation of sustainability in the dry turning process. Evaluations of exergy efficiency and exergy loss during the process along with the effects of various cutting parameters are performed. The objective of process optimisation is to minimise exergy loss. The optimisation process results in a tool life equation that satisfies the minimum exergy loss requirement. The exergy analysis takes into account the concept of quality as well as the energy footprint to measure the effects of the process on the environment. Comparison of the results of the presented analysis with results from the minimum energy consumption method shows that the developed model can provide the cutting conditions for a more environmentally friendly machining process.