Optimizing Parameters for Dry Sliding Wear Control in Stir-Cast AA7050/SiC Composites

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 1624 1635
    By

    Varshitha Kothapalli,

  • Ramatenki Chinna,

  • Sireesha Koneru,

  • V. Viswanath Shenoi,

  • Boggarapu Nageswara Rao,

  1. B. Tech Student, Department of Computer Science Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Deemed to be University, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Deemed to be University, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Deemed to be University, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  4. Professor & Head, Department of Integrated Research and Discovery, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Deemed to be University, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  5. Professor, Department of Integrated Research and Discovery, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Deemed to be University, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Using a pin-on-disc tribometer, this study examined the dry sliding wear behavior of AA7050/SiC composites. The production of this metal matrix composite was achieved through the stir-casting process, which involved an initial step of melting the AA7050 alloy, followed by the careful introduction of silicon carbide (SiC) particles, stirring to achieve uniform dispersion, and finally, casting the molten mixture. Wear rate (WR) was determined by three operational parameters: SiC reinforcement content (A: 0, 4, 6 wt%), sliding velocity (B: 1, 2, 3 m/s), and sliding distance (C: 1000, 1400, 1800 m). The experimental design followed a Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, conducting nine test runs. Statistical analysis, including a natural logarithm transformation of WR (lnWR) due to significant variation, determined parameter contributions. Results indicated that SiC reinforcement (A) and sliding distance (C) significantly influenced lnWR, while sliding velocity (B) had the least impact. An empirical relationship for WR was established and validated against measured data. The optimal parameters, determined by a modified Taguchi method, were A3 (6% reinforcement), B2 (2 m/s sliding velocity), and C3 (1800 m sliding distance), yielding a minimum WR estimated to be in the range of 0.00175 to 0.00186 mm³/m. Measured WR values confirmed this estimated range. To visually underscore the attainment of the low wear rate, WR curves were generated using the developed empirical relationship, specifically by fixing two process parameters at their optimal values, while progressively varying the third.

Keywords: Metal matrix composite, Modified Taguchi Method, Operational parameters, Orthogonal Array, Pin-on-Disc, Wear Rate.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Varshitha Kothapalli, Ramatenki Chinna, Sireesha Koneru, V. Viswanath Shenoi, Boggarapu Nageswara Rao. Optimizing Parameters for Dry Sliding Wear Control in Stir-Cast AA7050/SiC Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):1624-1635.
How to cite this URL:
Varshitha Kothapalli, Ramatenki Chinna, Sireesha Koneru, V. Viswanath Shenoi, Boggarapu Nageswara Rao. Optimizing Parameters for Dry Sliding Wear Control in Stir-Cast AA7050/SiC Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):1624-1635. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=237831


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 08/10/2025
Accepted 27/10/2025
Published 05/03/2026
Publication Time 148 Days
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