Multi-Objective Optimization of Process Parameters in W-Powder Mixed Electrical Discharge Drilling using combined SDV and TOPSIS Method

Abstract

Multi-Criteria Decision Making approaches have provided significant attention from scientists and experts to assess, evaluate and position choices transverse over various technologies. A Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) tends to work attractively over various application domains. In this research, the Central Composite Design approach is applied in association with TOPSIS to estimate the effectiveness of multi-objective characteristics of Tungsten Powder Mixed Electrical Discharge Drilling on Inconel 718 using a tubular copper electrode. The experiments were conducted with L₂₀ Orthogonal Array by varying the parameters of the input such as Peak current, Pulse on time and Pulse off time. The effect of machining parameters on the Material Removal Rate, Tool Wear Rate and Surface Roughness was investigated when tungsten powder was blended with the dielectric kerosene. The suggested settings of optimized process parameters were identified to be Peak current 15Amp, Pulse on time 1500μs and Pulse off time 200μs from which is the best combination to achieve maximum Material Removal Rate and minimum Tool Wear Rate with reduced Surface Roughness using TOPSIS technique.