An intelligent system for squeeze casting process—soft computing based approach

Abstract

The present work deals with the forward and reverse modelling of squeeze casting process by utilizing the neural network-based approaches. The important quality characteristics in squeeze casting, namely surface roughness and tensile strength, are significantly influenced by its process variables like pressure duration, squeeze pressure, and pouring and die temperatures. The process variables are considered as input and output to neural network in forward and reverse mapping, respectively. Forward and reverse mappings are carried out utilizing back propagation neural network and genetic algorithm neural network. For both supervised learning networks, batch training is employed using huge training data (input-output data). The input-output data required for training is generated artificially at random by varying process variables between their respective levels. Further, the developed model prediction performances are compared for 15 random test cases. Results have shown that both models are capable to make better predictions, and the models can be used by any novice user without knowing much about the mechanics of materials and the process. However, the genetic algorithm tuned neural network (GA-NN) model prediction performance is found marginally better in forward mapping, whereas BPNN produced better results in reverse mapping.