Experimental investigation on the machinability of SiC nano-particles reinforced magnesium nanocomposites during micro-milling processes

摘要

This paper experimentally investigates the machinability of magnesium metal matrix composites (Mg-MMCs) with high volume fractions of SiC nano-particles using micro-milling process. The nanocomposites containing 5 vol.%, 10 vol.% and 15 vol.% reinforcements of SiC nano-particles were studied and compared with pure magnesium. The milling was carried out at different feedrates and spindle speeds chosen according to design of experiment (DOE) method. Cutting forces, surface morphology and surface roughness were measured to understand the machinability of the four different materials. Based on response surface methodology (RSM) design, experimental models and related contour plots were developed to build a connection between material properties and cutting parameters. Those models can be used to predict the cutting force, the surface roughness, and then optimise the machining conditions with the required cutting forces and surface roughness.