Publication

Abstract : An overpowering structural consideration in fatigue is the fact that fatigue cracks usually are initiated at a free surface. Fatigue strength is seriously reduced by the introduction of a stress raiser such as notch, hole, fillet, keyway, screw thread, press fits. The fatigue strength is also affected by surface roughness, porosity, inclusions, local overheating. In the present study, the addition of particulate reinforcement (B4C) in Al6061 alloy and its effect on surface roughness while turning on a computer numerical controlled machine is analysed. It is concluded that with higher particulate reinforcement which exhibits better finish, the fatigue life improves. This is in reference to contemporary and previous researchers on the same machinability phenomenon. The reasoning behind this property alteration is the particulate (B4C) acts as a constraint to the plastic flow of material while machining and making an improvement over monolithic Al6061 alloy. The slip line damping improves with higher percentage of reinforcement since the finish has improved. The type of chip produced during machining has also been observed and analysed during the study. It is observed from the study that higher density of Al6061- 4% B4C has a better shock wave resistance to mass ejection of material.