Abstract
Aluminium metal matrix composite is widely used in wear resistance
applications due to its weight and high strength. It is said to be a perfect composite and
alternate material for our day-to-day used supplies. This work aims to study the
machining performance of basalt fiber reinforced with aluminium (6082) metal matrix
composite. The basalt fiber reinforced aluminium metal matrix was prepared using stir
casting techniques with different weights of basalt fiber. Then, the fabricated metal
matrix composite was subjected to machining studies using abrasive water jet
machining by varying machining parameters such as stand-off distance, travel speed,
pressure by measuring the surface roughness, hardness, and density. Furthermore, kerf
angle was also measured to find out the optimum weight percentage of the basalt fiber
to be reinforced to aluminum metal matrix composite; 2.5 wt % shows the better
machining properties while comparing all weight percentages of basalt fiber. Vickers
hardness test and density test were also carried out to show the fiber content to be used
to reinforce it to the aluminium 6028.
Keywords: Abrasive Jet machining, KERF angle, Metal matrix composites, Stir Casting, Vickers hardness.