Optimization of activated tungsten inert gas welding of super duplex alloy 2507 based on experimental results

Abstract

In this work, the effect of activated tungsten inert gas welding process parameters on the depth of penetration of super duplex stainless steel alloy 2507 has been analyzed using response surface methodology. The design matrix for conducting the experiments was generated using the central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology of design of experiments. The input process parameters like current, torch speed and arc gap were varied at five levels. Based on the generated design matrix, bead-on-plate welds were made on 10-mm-hick super duplex stainless steel plate. The depth of penetration, which is the response in the present analysis, was measured on the samples. A second-order response surface model was developed. Then, response optimization was performed for obtaining the maximum depth of penetration using desirability approach. The validation of the model showed good agreement between the predicted and actual values of depth of penetration.