Process parameter optimization for ultimate tensile strength of friction stir welded joint of Al-10Mg-8Ce-3.5Si aluminium alloy plates using Taguchi technique

Abstract

The Friction stir welding (FSW) process has become a popular method of joining metals, due to its clean and efficient nature of producing welds. The input process parameters: the tool rotation speed, tool feed and tool pin shape are the deciding parameters for an optimum output quality characteristic, the Ultimate tensile stress (UTS) of the weld joint. Here in this research, the Taguchi full factorial design technique is discussed for maximizing the UTS of the weld joint formed in Al-10Mg-8Ce-3.5Si aluminium alloy plates. The ANOVA of means and Signal to Noise ratios for UTS was used to assess the influence of each of the input process parameters on output UTS. The main effect plots of the ANOVA results demonstrated that, the tool rotation speed at level 2 or 1000 rpm, the tool feed at level 3 or 20 mm/min and tool pin shape at level 1 or triangular cross section, gave the optimum results for output UTS. The ANOVA for UTS also showed the percentage contribution of input process parameters; the shape of tool pin as 60.06%, the tool feed as 15.42% and shape of tool pin as 2.41%. The UTS value predicted by the Taguchi analysis was at 108.47 MPa which was in good agreement with the experimentally obtained value of 106.84 MPa. A nonlinear regression equation was developed by correlating the input process parameters, which could be used to predict the optimum UTS results. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.