Optimization of process parameters for friction stir welding of dissimilar aluminium alloy AA6061 to AA5183 using TOPSIS technique

Abstract

Friction stir welding has proven to be the most promising solid state joining process. It can be used to get high weldability in joining of high strength aerospace aluminium alloys and other metallic alloys which used to be low with traditional fusion welding process. This paper emphasises on finding the optimum process parameter for friction stir welding of dissimilar aluminium alloy AA6061 to AA5183 using multi criteria decision making method (MCDM). Friction stir welding was done at different tool rotational speed and transverse velocity and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, percentage elongation and hardness were studied for each weld specimen. Finally optimization was done using TOPSIS (Techniqueof Ordered Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). The result revealed that the tool rotational speed of 1200 rpm and welding speed of 80mm/min are the optimum welding parameters.