Optimization of Machining Performances in CNC Drilling CFRP (Epoxy) Composites

Abstract

Present work highlights on optimization of cutting parameters in regards of drilling of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites by considering multiple process performance yields. The main characteristic indices that have been considered here for evaluating drilling performance are thrust force, torque and delamination factor (at entry as well as exit); the corresponding machining parameters are drill rotational speed, feed rate and diameter of the drill bit. The work focuses on determining the optimal machining environment (optimal parameters setting) which could simultaneously satisfy multiple process performance features during drilling CFRP composite plates. As traditional Taguchi method is unable to solve multi-objective optimization problem; to overcome this limitation; Utility Theory integrated with Taguchi method has been implemented. The study also applied nonlinear regression along with Genetic Algorithm (GA) towards multiple-objective optimization in drilling of CFRP composites. Analysis of the solutions for the multi-objective optimization by aforesaid two approaches has been depicted through a case experimental research.