Saudi Journal of Engineering and Technology (SJEAT)
Volume-2 | Issue-01 | 12-25
Research Article
Optimization of friction stir welding process parameters using RSM based Grey–Fuzzy approach
D.Vijayan, V. Seshagiri Rao
Published : Jan. 30, 2017
Abstract
Friction stir welding (FSW) is proved as a promising welding technology for joining dissimilar aluminium
alloys. Aluminium alloys are used extensively within the aerospace industry for applications such as fuselage and wing
skin panels due to their high strength to weight ratio. Therefore, an attempt is made to optimize the process parameters of
friction stir welding using AA2024 and AA6061 age hardenable aluminum alloys in order to improve the tensile
properties such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and tensile elongation (TE). A response surface method (RSM) based
fuzzy grey relational approach (Fuzzy - GRA) is applied using four factors with three levels. The process parameters
namely rotational speed (N), welding speed (F), axial load (P) and pin shape (PS). The results indicate a RSM based
fuzzy grey relational approach improving tensile properties of FS welded AA2024 and AA6061 aluminum alloys when
comparing to conventional grey relational approach. A quadratic relationship was also established between the process
parameters and fuzzy grey relational grade.