Modeling and optimization of operating parameters for abrasive waterjet turning alumina ceramics using response surface methodology combined with Box-Behnken design

Abrasive waterjet turning is a newly emerging non-traditional technology for machining ceramics. In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of operating parameters on depth of penetration and surface roughness (Ra) in turning of alumina ceramics using abrasive waterjet. The quadratic regression models were developed to predict the depth of penetration and Ra by experiments using Response Surface Methodology. The influence of each operating factors has been studied through analysis of variance technique. Key parameters and their interactive effects on depth of penetration and surface roughness have also been presented in graphical contours which are useful for choosing operating parameter preciously. The operating parameters for depth of penetration and surface roughness were simultaneously optimized by RSM with desirability function. The absolute average error between the experimental and predicted values at the optimal combination of parameter settings for depth of penetration and surface roughness were calculated as within 5%. Thus the developed model can be effectively used to predict the depth of penetration and surface roughness in the machining of alumina ceramics. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.