Optimization of process parameters for producing AA6061/SiC nanocomposites by friction stir processing

Design of experiment (DOE) was applied to determining the most important factors which influence ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of AA6061/SiC nanocomposites produced by friction stir processing (FSP). Effect of four factors, including rotational speed, transverse speed, tool penetration depth and pin profile, on UTS, was investigated. By Taguchi method, the optimum of process parameters were determined. Analysis of variance shows that the rotational speed is the most influential parameter. The statistical results depict that UTS for threaded pin is larger than that for square pin. Also, the higher the rotational speed and the lower the transverse speed, the higher the UTS.