Estimation of optimal process parameters for minimum wear in the application of SiC/RHA reinforced Al7075 hybrid composites using ANN, ANFIS, and GA

Abstract

Increasing demand for high-performance materials has led to the exploration of composite materials for enhanced mechanical properties. In this study, a composite of silicon carbide particulate and rice husk ash (RHA) in varying proportions was utilized to reinforce an aluminum alloy (Al7075) hybrid composite fabricated through the stir casting technique. Microstructure examination via an optical microscope ensured the homogeneous distribution of reinforced particles. Wear was evaluated using a pin-on-disc apparatus, considering material factors (% of SiC and % of RHA) and mechanical wear factors (load applied, speed of rotation, and sliding distance). Experimental data were used to develop artificial neural network and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system models, which demonstrated high predictive accuracy. An objective function, formulated to minimize wear via regression analysis, guided the application of a genetic algorithm to determine optimal process parameters. The optimal combination, resulting in a minimum wear of 34.5 µm, comprised 12% SiC, 7% RHA, a sliding speed of 1.9 m/s, an applied load of 11.5 N, and a sliding distance of 715 mm. This study concludes with recommendations for further research and implications for composite material design and optimization.