Application of TOPSIS Optimization in Abrasive Water Jet Machining of Military Grade Armor Steel

• Published in: Human factors and mechanical engineering for defense and safety Vol. 5; no. 1
• Main Authors: Rammohan, S., Kumaran, S. Thirumalai, Uthayakumar, M., Velayudham, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Singapore 01.12.2021
• Subjects: Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Original Paper; Security Science and Technology; Structural Materials; Textile Engineering; ANOVA; Armor steel; Optimization; Machining
• ISSN: 2509-8004; 2367-2544
• DOI: 10.1007/s41314-021-00039-4

Rolled Homogeneous Armor (RHA) is a high tensile strength, toughness, and hardness is widely used in defense battlefield vehicles. RHA is high-strength low alloy steel and it is best suited for all battlefield applications in defense vehicles as it withstands any projectile attack. The TOPSIS method was used in this study to conduct an experimental investigation of abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) cutting on RHA steel. Process parameters like jet water pressure ( P ), jet traverse rate ( T ), and standoff distance (SOD) are optimized with multiresponse output characteristics such as kerf angle (Ka), material removal mate (MRR), and surface roughness (Ra). The experiments are conducted under L27 factorial design, and Simos’ weightage approach is used to calculate the weight of the output parameter. The ANOVA test is employed to determine the level of contribution of each input parameter. The optimal closeness output response gives maximum MRR and minimum Ka and Ra values. T is the most influencing factor in the three output responses and SOD is the second influencing factor. The better optimal process parameter SOD = 1 mm, T  = 5 mm/min and P  = 240 MPa is identified using the TOPSIS method.