Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2021) 136: 978
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-021-01951-6

Regular Article

Microstructural characterization and measurement of laser responses of lens developed novel titanium matrix composite

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jadavpur University, 700032, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, MCKV Institute of Engineering, 243 G.T. Road (N), 711204, Liluah, Howrah, West Bengal, India

^a soutrikboseju@gmail.com

Received: 5 March 2021
Accepted: 8 September 2021
Published online: 28 September 2021

Abstract

In recent diverse modern multi-disciplinary industries like automotive, aerospace and biomedical, there is comprehensive usage of titanium matrix composite (TMC) for its extraordinary strength and resistive properties. The prime scope of this investigation deals with the development of a new TMC by laser engineering net shaping (LENS) process and recent state-of-the-art advancement of tribo-mechanical and metallurgical properties. Laser process parameters like laser power (P), scan speed (V) and energy input/area (E) are varied. The microstructure and characterization depict an outstanding interfacial bonding between TiB₂ and Ti where the best parametric combination is identified. Also, a novel optimization algorithm named as desirable genetic algorithm (DGA) is proposed in this manuscript. The objective functions determined by desirability function are further incorporated in genetic algorithm in MATLAB R2018a to improve the optimized solution. Multi-objective optimization (MOO) is developed by Box–Behnken design (BBD) and mathematical model is developed using response surface methodology (RSM) on output responses like cooling rate (CR) and hardness (H), and is legitimated by confirmation tests. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is incorporated for seeking the contributing effects and significance of the parameters. Optimal solution achieved after DGA, when P is 350.956 W, V is 12.371 mm/s, E is 49.475 J/mm², CR is −3,146,515.795 K/s and H is 395.097 HV, and combined overall desirability is 0.838. Optimization is additionally enhanced by 20.049% of CR and 0.229% of H when evaluated with DGA.