Publication

Abstract : Functionally graded metal matrix composite (Cu-10Sn/10 wt% SiC) was successfully fabricated by horizontal centrifugal casting method. The cast specimen of Ø100 x 100 x 20 mm was obtained. The centrifugal die rotates at 900 rpm and particle rich zone is obtained at inner periphery of cast sample due to the density difference between matrix and reinforcement. The specimen of dimension 75 x 25 x 12.5 mm was cut from the cast and abrasive wear test was carried out only at inner surface as per Taguchi’s Design of Experiment technique. L16 Orthogonal array was selected and experiments were carried out using three body dry abrasion tester by varying the process parameters such as load (25, 45, 64,89N), time (3, 5, 7, 9 mins) and speed (50,100,150,200 rpm) for four levels. Silica sand AFS 50/70 was used as an abrasive medium. The influence of these wear process parameters was analysed using Minitab software. Taguchi design provides analysis of experiments using Signal-to-Noise ratio and Analysis of Variance to find out the optimum level of parameters as well as its influence of each parameter on the response. The results revealed that, wear rate increases with increase in applied load and decreases and then increases as speed and time increases. Time was observed to be the most dominating factor (38.1%) followed by load (27.6%) and speed (22.8%). The worn surfaces were analyzed at varying parametric condition using Scanning Electron Microscope and found severe delamination with plouging as the major mechanism at high load condition.