A mathematical model to predict thrust force in drilling hybrid metal matrix composites

This paper presents the development of mathematical model to correlate the drilling parameters with thrust force. The results indicate that the developed model is suitable for prediction of thrust forces in drilling of hybrid metal matrix composites. Materials used for the present investigation are Al 356-aluminum alloy reinforced with silicon carbide of size 25 microns and mica of size 45 microns which are produced through stir casting route. Experiments are conducted on a vertical CNC machining centre using carbide and TiN coated carbide drill of 6 mm diameter. The parameters considered for the drilling experiments are spindle speed, feed rate and wt % SiC. The results revealed that feed rate had a major influence on thrust force.