Influence of process parameters on tensile strength and hardness of AW2024/B4C composite using Taguchi’s technique

Abstract The need for engineering materials in the aerospace industry is increasing day by day. AW2024 alloy with boron carbide particulates will suit specific applications like aircraft structure, window panel, seats, aircraft fittings, and wheels. Hence in this research paper, AW2024 alloy was selected as the matrix and boron carbide particulates as reinforcement. Boron carbide particles with three different mesh sizes have been chosen and varied in wt% into the AW2024 matrix routed through stir casting process. Taguchi's Technique was used to evaluate optimization, S/N ratio, influence of process parameters, and regression equation to validate the experimental values. It was noticed that tensile strength and hardness were found to be improved with an increase in wt% of boron carbide particulates in the AW2024 alloy. SEM images show that boron carbide particles are uniformly distributed in the AW2024 alloy and dimple structures were formed at the tensile fracture surface.