A study of deflection of rods with different widths using the Taguchi method

The deflection of rods with different widths made of aluminum material was studied using the Taguchi method. The widths of the samples selected for the experiment are 10, 15 and 20 mm, while the applied load is 500, 1000 and 1500 g. The experiments were carried out with the rod in position with one fixed and the other free ends, as well as in position with both free ends. The load was applied to the central point of the rod. The results of the experiment were processed according to the Taguchi L 18 (32×2[1]) plan using the Minitab program. Based on the experimental results, graphs describing the relationship between deflection, load and rod width according to the option of its installation (positioning) are plotted. The study also analysed the results of the experiment. The optimum values of the operated (controlled) deflection parameters were determined to be level 2 ( B ) for placement (positioning) conditions, level 1 for the applied load (500 g) and level 3 (20 mm) for the rod width. According to the results of ANOVA, the main factor affecting the deflection is the load applied to the rod. The relative impact coefficient was 40.12 %. The relative influence coefficient of positioning conditions on deflection was 29.6 8 % and the relative influence coefficient of rod width was 18.30 %. Based on the results of regression analysis, a mathematical model of deflection variation as a function of load and rod width was developed accordingly to the position of rod installation.