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Optimizing process parameters for enhancing mechanical properties of aa6061 composites reinforced with walnut shell ash and silicon carbide
Authors:
Rajesh Angirekula1
, S. Manickam2
, P. Ravindra Babu3
1Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608002, Tamil Nadu, India
2Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608002, Tamil Nadu, India
3Department of Mechanical Engineering, S R Gudlavalleru Engineering College, Gudlavalleru – 521356, Andhra Pradesh, India
Received: 24 September 2024
Revised: 25 November 2024
Accepted: 3 December 2024
Published: 16 December 2024
Abstract:
Aluminium 6061 (AA6061) plays an important role in modern engineering due to its versatile applications, including aerospace, automotive, and construction. This study explores AA6061 as a matrix material reinforced with walnut shell ash (WSA) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), produced through the ultrasonic-assisted stir casting technique. The research aims to improve the process parameters using the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. The parameters include weight percentage of reinforcement – 2% (1%WSA+1%SiC), 4% (2%WSA+2%SiC), and 6% (3%WSA+3%SiC), Stirring speed (SS) -300 rpm, 350 rpm, and 400 rpm, and Stirring time (ST) -2, 3, and 4 minutes. The response properties examined are hardness, impact strength, and compressive strength. Optimal parameters for achieving maximum hardness are 6% reinforcement, 300 rpm stirring speed, and 2 minutes of stirring time. For optimal impact strength, the best conditions are 2% reinforcement, 300 rpm stirring speed, and 2 minutes of stirring time. For maximum compressive strength, the ideal parameters are 6% reinforcement, 400 rpm stirring speed, and 3 minutes of stirring time. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images confirmed the uniform distribution of reinforcements, supporting the results. This study demonstrates the impact of optimizing process parameters to improve the mechanical properties of AA6061 composites, contributing significantly to their potential applications.
Keywords:
AA6061 Alloy, Hybrid metal matrix nano composites, Stir casting parameters, Walnut shell ash, Mechanical properties
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© 2024 by the authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Volume 11
Number 1
March 2026
Last Edition
Volume 11
Number 1
March 2026
How to Cite
R. Angirekula, S. Manickam, P.R. Babu, Optimizing Process Parameters for Enhancing Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Composites Reinforced With Walnut Shell Ash and Silicon Carbide. Applied Engineering Letters, 9(4), 2024: 232-246.
https://doi.org/10.46793/aeletters.2024.9.4.5
More Citation Formats
Angirekula, R., Manickam, S., & Babu, P.R. (2024). Optimizing Process Parameters for Enhancing Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Composites Reinforced With Walnut Shell Ash and Silicon Carbide. Applied Engineering Letters, 9(4), 232-246.
https://doi.org/10.46793/aeletters.2024.9.4.5
Angirekula, Rajesh, et al. “Optimizing Process Parameters for Enhancing Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Composites Reinforced With Walnut Shell Ash and Silicon Carbide.“ Applied Engineering Letters, vol. 9, no. 4, 2024, pp. 232-246.
https://doi.org/10.46793/aeletters.2024.9.4.5
Angirekula, Rajesh, S. Manickam, and P. Ravindra Babu. 2024. “Optimizing Process Parameters for Enhancing Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Composites Reinforced With Walnut Shell Ash and Silicon Carbide.“ Applied Engineering Letters, 9 (4): 232-246.
https://doi.org/10.46793/aeletters.2024.9.4.5
Angirekula, R., Manickam, S. and Babu, P.R. (2024). Optimizing Process Parameters for Enhancing Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Composites Reinforced With Walnut Shell Ash and Silicon Carbide. Applied Engineering Letters, 9(4), pp. 232-246.
doi: 10.46793/aeletters.2024.9.4.5.