Multi-response optimisation of cavitation peening parameters for improving fatigue performance using the desirability function approach

Abstract

In this study, first, full factorial design (FFD) of experiment is applied to investigate the effects of cavitation peening process parameters including standoff distance, cavitation number, nozzle size, and exposure time on the fatigue performance of carburised steel. The response variables are considered as residual stress, surface roughness, and austenitic ratio. In addition, the desirability function approach is used in order to optimise three response variables, individually and simultaneously. First, the individual desirability function is used which optimises each response variable at a time. In order to have better results, the composite desirability function method is utilised to optimise response variables simultaneously. The optimisation results provide the optimal sets of design parameters to have desired response variables. The outcomes obtained from FFD method combined with desirability function method are compared with that found in the literature which applied Taguchi method and response surface methodology.