Synergistic approach to wear rate forecasting in AZ31/5% Yttria stabilized zirconia reinforced composite through response surface methodology-genetic algorithm integration

Abstract

In this work, the wear behavior of a novel AZ31 magnesium alloy reinforced with 5% yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) composite was evaluated using a hybrid Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach. The composite was fabricated using ultrasonic-assisted stir squeeze casting technique, ensuring homogeneous distribution of spherical YSZ particles, as validated by the scanning electron microscope integrated with energy dispersive spectroscope. Wear tests were carried out according to the ASTM standards using a pin-on-disc (POD) tribometer, with applied load (AL), sliding speed (SS), and sliding distance (SD) as the main parameters. An empirical wear rate regression model was developed using RSM/Box-behnken design, and Genetic Algorithm was deployed for parametric optimization, achieving a minimal wear rate of 0.0144 g/m under a load of 30 N, sliding speed of 260 rpm, and sliding distance of 400 m. Confirmation tests were performed to validate the GA predictions. The wear mechanisms were observed, showing reduced wear in GA-optimized samples due to optimized load distribution resulting minimized ploughing, grooving and delamination. This work highlights the efficacy of the hybridized RSM / GA for the wear performance in advanced magnesium alloy matrix composites.