Abstract
Friction stir welding (FSW) is a key technique for welding high-strength aluminium alloys without melting, making it indispensable in industries where maintaining material integrity is of utmost importance. The current study presents a novel application of the Hungarian method, a combinatorial optimization technique, to determine the optimal FSW parameters for AA7075 and AA6082 alloys. The weldments were produced by applying different feed rates (40, 50 and 60 mm/min) and rotational speeds (1000, 1100 and 1200 rpm) in accordance with a L9 orthogonal array. The optimal combination was, a feed rate of 40 mm/min and a rotational speed of 1200 rpm, yielding an ultimate tensile strength of 162.26 MPa, a percentage elongation of 2.56 and an impact energy of 2.5 J/mm². The microstructural investigation showed substantial improvement in the grain refinement of the weld nugget, which significantly contributed to improved mechanical properties. However, under optimal welding conditions, the weld nugget exhibited a significant negative corrosion potential compared to the base metals, indicating a higher susceptibility to corrosion. These results show that the Hungarian method provides a systematic approach to optimizing FSW parameters, but it might be necessary to adapt post-weld treatment to lower propensity to corrode. This study illustrates not only the application of the Hungarian method in the optimization of operating parameters of FSW but also establishes a base for further studies dealing with combinatorial optimization problems in welding and other manufacturing processes.
Published Version
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