Analysis of hybrid nanofluids in machining AISI 4340 using minimum quantity lubrication

Cutting fluids enhance the machining performance due to their ability to provide good lubrication and remove generated heat. Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) serves as the best alternative for flood machining as it allows a considerable reduction in machining cost along with longer tool life. Nanofluids are fluids having enhanced lubrication and cooling characteristics due to very high surface to volume ratio of nanoparticles. In the present work, machining is performed in dry condition, MQL application of soluble oil without nanoparticles, 0.3 wt% of copper dispersed in soluble oil, 0.3 wt% of graphene dispersed in soluble oil, and 0.3 wt% of graphene and copper (1:1) dispersed in soluble oil (hybrid nanofluid). Turning of AISI 4340 material is performed using uncoated tungsten carbide at varying cutting parameters. Graphene nanofluid as well as hybrid nanofluid showed the least flank wear. Hybrid nanofluid showed the least cutting temperature at higher depth of cut and higher feed while copper nanofluid showed the least cutting temperature at higher cutting velocities. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 1st International Conference on Energy, Material Sciences and Mechanical Engineering.