Multiresponse Optimization of Abrasive Water Jet Cutting Process Parameters Using TOPSIS Approach

Abstract

This paper describes how optimization studies were carried out on an abrasive water jet (AWJ) cutting process with multiresponse characteristics based on Multi Criteria Decision Making Methodology (MCDM) using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach. The process parameters water jet pressure, traverse rate, abrasive flow rate, and standoff distance are optimized with multiresponse characteristics, including the depth of penetration (DOP), cutting rate (CR), surface roughness (Ra), taper cut ratio (TCR), and top kerf width (TKW). The optimized results obtained from this approach indicate that higher DOP and CR and lower Ra, TCR, and TKW were achieved with combinations of the AWJ cutting process parameters, such as water jet pressure of 300 MPa, traverse rate of 120 mm/min, abrasive flow rate of 360 g/min, and standoff distance of 1 mm. The experimental results indicate that the multiresponse characteristics of the AA5083-H32 unit used during the AWJ cutting process can be enhanced through the TOPSIS method. Analysis of variance was carried out to determine the significant factors for the AWJ cutting process.