Multi-objective optimization on abrasive water jet machining of epoxy/glass fiber/ grinding wheel particle composite through hybrid optimization technique

The prime objective of the study is to optimize the Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) parameters through a hybrid optimization technique. Surface quality and dimensional accuracy are the two important factors considered while machining a material in view of attaining a quality outcome. The present research aims to find an ideal parameter combination for machining Grinding Wheel Particle (GWP) filled polymer composite through AWJM. A novel Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composite is developed with GWP as filler material. The influence of GWP reinforcement along with transverse speed (TS), stand-off distance (SOD) and pump pressure (PP) over surface roughness and kerf angle is analysed with the aid of Taguchi methodology. As the Taguchi methodology suggests different optimal solutions for each output parameter considered, the input constraints were optimized through Principal Component Analysis (PCA)—Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodology for getting the sole optimal combination. Filler material significantly affects the machining outcome, viz., surface roughness and kerf angle whereas standoff distance plays a major role in deciding the machining outcome. The suggested optimal parameters are 2 wt% GWP, 30 mm/min TS, 1 mm SOD and 240 bar PP, yielding better surface quality (3.424 µm) and minimal kerf angle (0.2564 deg).