Ultrasonic-assisted drilling of laminated aluminum 2024 metal matrix composite reinforced with SiC nanoparticles: Experimental investigation and grey relational optimization

Aluminum metal matrix composites are widely used in various engineering areas due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, due to their heterogeneous structure, efficient machining of these materials is still a challenging task. Therefore, in the present study the drilling performance of aluminium-copper alloy (Al 2024) reinforced with SiC nanoparticles was experimentally investigated, in the presence of ultrasonic vibration.In this regard, the influence of ultrasonic vibration, SiC weight fraction and drilling parameters was assessed on circularity error and drilling thrust force. Also, the optimization of process parameters was investigated using grey relational analysis. The performed calculations revealed that ultrasonic vibration, SiC content of 2 %wt, feed rate of 20 mm/min and spindle speed of 1400 rpm is the optimal parameters setting in the present study.