Application of response surface methodology in describing the performance of mixed ceramic tool when turning AISI 4140 steel

¹ Mechanics and Structures Research Laboratory (LMS), May 8th 1945 University, P.O. Box 401, 24000 Guelma, Algeria
² ENST-ex CT siege DG. SNVI, Route Nationale No.5 Z.I., 16012 Rouiba, Algerie
³ LRTAPM, Université Badji-Moukhtar, B12, 23000 Annaba, Algérie

^a Corresponding author: elbahmed@yahoo.fr

Received: 29 May 2015
Accepted: 23 September 2015

Abstract

Statistical tools, as well as mathematical ones, have been widely adopted and their performance has been shown in different engineering problems where randomicity usually exists. In the realm of engineering, merging statistical analysis into structural evaluation and assessment will be a tendency in the future. As a combination of mathematical and statistical techniques, response surface methodology has been successfully applied to design optimization, response prediction and model validation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of factors such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut on cutting force components and surface roughness of a mixed ceramic (CC650) cutting tool during the hard turning process of AISI 4140 steel. The experimental results indicate that the proposed mathematical models suggested could adequately describe the performance indicators within the limits of the factors that are being investigated. The depth of cut is the most significant factor that influences the cutting force components and the surface roughness. However, there are other factors that provide secondary contributions to the performance indicators. In the case of surface roughness, the feed rate and the interaction of feed rate and depth of cut provide these contributions whilst for forces components, the feed rate, the interaction of feed rate and depth of cut and the cutting speed provide them.