Multi-attribute Optimization of Weld Parameters for Micro-friction Stir Welded Al6061/SS304 Sheets Using TOPSIS Approach

Abstract

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding approach that can produce high quality joints in a fast and reliable manner. The present study is focused on optimization of multi-responses for micro-friction stir welded Al6061-T6 and SS304 sheets. Weld-parameters such as tool-rotational speed (TRS) and tool-traverse speed (TTS) influenced the mechanical responses of dissimilar welded joints significantly. In order to determine the effect of optimum process parameters on mechanical responses such as ultimate-tensile strength (UTS), micro-hardness (MHV) and surface-roughness (Ra) of dissimilar welded joints, an attempt has been made to find out the best possible set of process variables through multi-attribute optimization using technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach. Finally, the optimal solution shows that multi-responses of micro-friction stir welds can be improved through TOPSIS approach.