Experimental investigations on the drilling parameters to minimize delamination and taperness of hybrid GFRP/Al2O3 composites by using ANOVA approach

Abstract

Purpose Drilling holes in composite materials is a complex and challenging process because of their intrinsic anisotropic characteristics and unevenness compared to conventional metals. Hybridization of composites enhances the strength and hardness of the material but makes it more difficult to drill a hole in it. The purpose of this study is to optimize the drilling to minimize the delamination and taperness of hybrid glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP)/Al2O3 composites. Design/methodology/approach The present study investigates the impact of drilling parameters on delamination of the drilled hole and the taperness of the hole on hybrid GFRP/Al2O3. Optimum drilling conditions for minimizing delamination and taperness of the hole are determined to enhance the hole quality. Feed (f), speed (N) and drill diameter (D) are the parameters taken into consideration for drilling operation. By applying Taguchi’s signal-to-noise ratio analysis, process parameters have been optimized to reduce the delamination and taperness of holes on Hybrid GFRP/Al2O3 composites. The effect of process parameters was analyzed using the analysis of variance method. Findings The investigational results confirmed that the delamination is positively affected by speed, drill diameter and feed rate. Also, the taperness of the hole is positively affected by the drill diameter. Regression-based models were developed to predict the delamination and taperness of the hole matched with the experimental results, which are attained with an order of 95% and 97%. Originality/value Minimum delamination was found at the optimum condition of drill diameter 10 mm, feed at 0.225 mm/rev and the speed at 151 rpm and minimum taperness were found at the optimum condition of drill diameter 10 mm, feed at level 0.3 mm/rev and speed at 86 rpm for hybrid laminate composite (S-glass+ GFRP/Al2O3) were evaluated.