This paper focuses on the exploitation of the response surface methodology (RSM) to determine optimum cutting conditions leading to minimum surface roughness and cutting force components. The technique of RSM helps to create an efficient statistical model for studying the evolution of surface roughness and cutting forces according to cutting parameters: cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. For this purpose, turning tests of hardened steel alloy (AISI 4140) (56 HRC) were carried out using PVD – coated ceramic insert under different cutting conditions. The equations of surface roughness and cutting forces were achieved by using the experimental data and the technique of the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The obtained results are presented in terms of mean values and confidence levels. It is shown that feed rate and depth of cut are the most influential factors on surface roughness and cutting forces, respectively. In addition, it is underlined that the surface roughness is mainly related to the cutting speed, whereas depth of cut has the greatest effect on the evolution of cutting forces. The optimal machining parameters obtained in this study represent reductions about 6.88%, 3.65%, 19.05% in cutting force components (Fa, Fr, Ft), respectively. The latters are compared with the results of initial cutting parameters for machining AISI 4140 steel in the hard turning process.

In the present work, a multi-response optimization method is used to optimize the machining parameters in turning of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites. Parameters like spindle speed (N), feed rate (f) and depth of cut (d) are taken to obtain the responses such as surface roughness (Ra) and material removal rate (MRR). Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array has been used for machining the work-piece. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been carried out to check the significant process parameter in a single objective performance characteristic. The multiple performance characteristics have been analysed using Grey relational analysis and an appreciable result has been reported with this approach.

The objective of this paper is to optimize the process parameters by combined approach of VIKOR and Entropy weight measurement method during Electrical discharge machining (EDM) process of Al-18wt.%SiCp metal matrix composite (MMC). The central composite design (CCD) method is considered to evaluate the effect of three process parameters; namely pulse on time (Ton), peak current (Ip) and flushing pressure (Fp) on the responses like material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), Radial over cut (ROC) and surface roughness (Ra). The Entropy weight measurement method evaluates the individual weights of each response and, using VIKOR method, the multi-objective responses are optimized to get a single numerical index known as VIKOR Index. Then the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique is used to determine the significance of the process parameters on the VIKOR Index. Finally, the result of the VIKOR Indexed is validated by conformation test using the liner mathematical model equation develop by responses surface methodology to identify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

The objective of the study is to assess the performance of multilayer coated carbide insert in the machining of hardened AISI D2 steel (53 HRC) using Taguchi design of experiment. The experiment was designed based on Taguchi L27 orthogonal array to predict surface roughness. The S/N ratio and optimum parametric condition are analysed. The analysis of variance has also been carried out to predict the significant factors affecting surface roughness. Based on Taguchi S/N ratio and ANOVA, feed is the most influencing parameter for surface roughness followed by cutting speed whereas depth of cut has least significant from the experiments. In regression model, the value of R2 being 0.98 indicates that 98 % of the total variations are explained by the model. It indicates that the developed model can be effectively used to predict the surface roughness on the machining of D2 steel with 95% confidence intervals.

This paper discusses the application of the Taguchi method to optimize the machining parameters for machining of GFRP composite in drilling for individual responses such as thrust force and delamination factor. Moreover, a multi-response performance characteristic is used for optimization of process parameters with application of grey relational analysis. An orthogonal array (L9), grey relational generation, grey relational coefficient and grey – fuzzy grade obtained from the grey relational analysis applied as performance index to solve the optimization problem of drilling parameters for GFRP composite. Taguchi orthogonal array, the signal-to-noise ratio, and the analysis of variance are used to investigate the optimal levels of cutting parameters. The confirmation tests are conducted to verify the results and it is observed that grey-fuzzy approach is efficient in determining the optimal cutting parameters.

The paper presents the development of flank wear model in turning hardened EN 24 steel with PVD TiN coated mixed ceramic insert under dry environment. The paper also investigates the effect of process parameter on flank wear (VBc). The experiments have been conducted using three level full factorial design techniques. The machinability model has been developed in terms of cutting speed (v), feed (f) and machining time (t) as input variable using response surface methodology. The adequacy of model has been checked using correlation coefficients. As the determination coefficient, R2 (98%) is higher for the model developed; the better is the response model fits the actual data. In addition, residuals of the normal probability plot lie reasonably close to a straight line showing that the terms mentioned in the model are statistically significant. The predicted flank wear has been found to lie close to the experimental value. This indicates that the developed model can be effectively used to predict the flank wear in the hard turning. Abrasion and diffusion has been found to be the dominant wear mechanism in machining hardened steel from SEM micrographs at highest parametric range. Machining time has been found to be the most significant parameter on flank wear followed by cutting speed and feed as observed from main effect plot and ANOVA study.

Turning hardened component with PCBN and ceramic inserts have been extensively used recently and replaces traditional grinding operation. The use of inexpensive multilayer coated carbide insert in hard turning is lacking and hence there is a need to investigate the potential and applicability of such tools in turning hardened steels. An attempt has been made in this paper to have a study on turning hardened AISI 4340 steel (47 ± 1 HRC) using coated carbide inserts (TiN/TiCN/Al2O3/ZrCN) under dry environment. The aim is to assess the tool life of inserts and evolution of flank wear with successive machining time. From experimental investigations, the gradual growth of flank wear for multilayer coated insert indicates steady machining without any premature tool failure by chipping or fracturing. Abrasion is found to be the dominant wear mechanisms in hard turning. Tool life of multilayer coated carbide inserts has been found to be 31 minute and machining cost per part is Rs.3.64 only under parametric conditions chosen i.e. v = 90 m/min, f = 0.05 mm/rev and d = 0.5 mm. The mathematical model shows high determination coefficient, R2 (99%) and fits the actual data well. The predicted flank wear has been found to lie very close to the experimental value at 95% confidence level. This shows the potential and effectiveness of multilayer coated carbide insert used in hard turning applications.

The Taguchi’s orthogonal array is based on a mathematical model of factorial designs. This paper investigates the effects of four parameters in Probability of Default (PD) using Black-Scholes model (BSM) for call option at one period by considering asset value V, firm’s debt X, expected growth r and the volatility σ. The main aim is to determine which parameters affect mostly on PD of a firm. The experiment is based on the orthogonal array L9 in which the four parameters are varied at three levels. Finally, the ANOM is used to describe the best combination and ANOVA is implemented to measure the contribution of the given independent variables.

Flow-shop problems, as a typical manufacturing challenge, have become an interesting area of research. The primary concern is that the solution space is huge and, therefore, the set of feasible solutions cannot be enumerated one by one. In this paper, we present an efficient solution strategy based on a genetic algorithm (GA) to minimize the makespan, total waiting time and total tardiness in a flow shop consisting of n jobs and m machines. The primary objective is to minimize the job waiting time before performing the related operations. This is a major concern for some industries such as food and chemical for planning and production scheduling. In these industries, there is a probability of the decay and deterioration of the products prior to accomplishment of operations in workstation, due to the increase in the waiting time. We develop a model for a flowshop scheduling problem, which uses the planner-specified weights for handling a multi-objective optimization problem. These weights represent the priority of planning objectives given by managers. The results of the proposed GA and classic GA are analyzed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method and the results are discussed.

The present work deals with the cutting forces and cutting temperature produced during turning of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V with PVD TiN coated tungsten carbide inserts under dry environment. The 1st order mathematical models are developed using multiple regression analysis and optimized the process parameters using contour plots. The model presented high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.964 and 0.989 explaining 96.4 % and 98.9 % of the variability in the cutting force and cutting temperature, which indicates the goodness of fit for the model and high significance of the model. The developed mathematical model correlates the relationship of the cutting force and temperature with the process parameters with good degree of approximation. From the contour plots, the optimal parametric combination for lowest cutting force is v 3 (75 m/min) – f 1 (0.25 mm/rev). Similarly, the optimal parametric combination for minimum temperature is v 1 (45 m/min) – f 1 (0.25 mm/rev). Cutting speed is found to be the most significance parameter on cutting forces followed by feed. Similarly, for cutting temperature, feed is found to be the most influencing parameter followed by cutting speed.