Multiobjective Optimization of Friction Stir Welding Process Parameters on Aluminum Alloy AA 5083 Using Taguchi-Based Grey Relation Analysis

Abstract

This article presents the optimization of process parameters in friction stir welding (FSW) of Aluminum Alloy AA 5083 with multiple responses based on orthogonal array with grey relational analysis. The L9 orthogonal array of Taguchi experimental design is used for optimizing the FSW process parameters on tensile strength of FSW welds and total input power required for the process. The process parameters considered for optimization are the Rotational speed of the tool in rpm, transverse speed in mm/min, and the axial force in KN. The objective of this article is to find the optimum levels of the process parameters in which it yields maximum tensile strength and consumes minimum power. Based on the grey relational grade, optimum levels of parameters have been identified, and significant contribution of parameters is determined by ANOVA. The optimum levels of the process parameters are determined and validated by the confirmation run.

Keywords:

• Grey relation analysis
• L9 orthogonal array
• Multiobjective optimization and friction stir welding

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to the Management of SSN College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India for extending the facilities of Workshop and Materials Testing Laboratory to carry out this investigation. The authors also wish to express their sincere thanks to Naval Research Board (NRB), Ministry of Defense, and New Delhi for the financial support to carry out this investigation through sponsored project No. DNRD/05/4003/NRB/82.

Notes

The mean value of grey relation grade is 0.5555.

*Indicates the optimum level of the factor.

DoF=Degrees of freedom; Seq SS=Sequential sum of squares; Adj SS=Adjusted sum of square; Adj MS=Adjusted mean square; F=Fisher ratio.

Improvement in the grey relation grade is 0.18942.