Journal of Advanced Engineering Research ISSN: 2393-8447 Volume 3, Issue 2, 2016, pp.103-111 Research Article 103 www.jaeronline.com Fuzzy Logic Approach for Enhancing the Performance of Grinding Process C.K. Dhinakarraj * , P. Vasanthkumar, R. Rajesh Kumar Department of Mechanical Engineering, Adhiparasakthi Engineering College, Melmaruvathur-603319, India *Corresponding author email: ckdinakar@yahoo.com, Tel.:+ 919994527846 ABSTRACT This analysis focuses on finding an optimum set of machining parameters in external centerless grinding process by adopting grey relational analysis, coupled with fuzzy logic approach. This hybrid technique is used to determine the grey-fuzzy reasoning grade from the calculated multi-characteristics grey relational grade of surface roughness and roundness error to reduce the fuzziness in output. Experiments are designed using Taguchi’s Design of Experiment s (DoE), for three parameters varied through three levels an L 9 (3 3 ) Orthogonal Array (OA) is selected. The optimal level values are determined from the response table and main effects plot and the individual effect of one parameter over another parameter is determined using the interaction plot. Confirmation experiment conducted with the optimum input parameters obtained from grey-fuzzy reasoning grade shows a reduction in surface roughness and roundness error values. Keywords - Grinding parameters; Taguchi’s DoE; Grey Relational Analysis; Fuzzy logic. 1. INTRODUCTION Grinding process is dissimilar to other machining processes such as turning and milling, as the multipoint cutting edges of the grinding wheel do not have uniformity, which act differently on the work piece at each grinding. These complexities and difficulties of illustrating the grinding process also raise obstacles to the optimization of the grinding process and to the verification of the interrelationship between grinding parameters and outcomes of the process. Centerless grinding operation is best suited for mass production and is one of the key processes to ground components to close tolerances with high surface finish in automobile industries. The high quality work done on the centerless grinding machine is achieved through proper selection of grinding parameters. Improper selection of input parameters gives rise to out of roundness, poor surface finish etc. Quantification of surface roughness value and roundness error of the workpiece is necessary to determine the quality of the component grounded. The centerless grinding parameters have to be optimized in order to obtain best quality of machined component and to achieve less production cost. Fig. 1 shows the schematic representation of external centerless grinding process [1]. Garitaonandia et al. [2] presented an efficient method to solve the characteristic equation of centerless grinding process by applying root locus perspective method using simulation approach. Fig. 1 Schematic External Centerless Grinding Process