Optimization of Gas Metal Arc Welding Process Parameters Using Standard Deviation (SDV) and Multi-Objective Optimization on the Basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA)

Joseph Achebo,William Ejenavi Odinikuku

doi:10.4236/jmmce.2015.34032

Abstract

Welding technology is very vital for the industrial development and technological advancement of any country. In this regard achieving good quality machine manufactured products cannot be over emphasized. Since welding is a very reliable method of joining metals together permanently, several methodologies have been adopted to improve the quality of weldments, such as the neural network, fuzzy logic, surface response methodology, full factorial method, and so on. In this case, the multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) is applied. MOORA is used to solve multi-criteria (objective) optimization problem in welding. MOORA in combination with standard deviation (SDV) was used for the optimization process. SDV was used to determine the weights that were used for normalizing the responses obtained from the mechanical test results. From applying the SDV-MOORA method, it was found that welding current of 350 A, welding voltage of 22 V, an electrode diameter of 3.2 mm and welding speed of 100 mm/s produced the weldment with the best mechanical properties. The mechanical properties compare very well with those obtained from other literature. It is, therefore, concluded that the SDV-MOORA method has successfully optimized the welding process parameters used in this study.

Highlights

The failure of structural materials especially steel is of great concern globally
If the quality of the weldment is poor, the weldment will fail either by breaking off due to its brittle nature or by corrosion. It has been proven by several researchers that the choice of welding input process parameters can alter the quality of the weldment
Categorization of Test Results This study investigates the utilization of standard deviation and multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) tools in the selection of appropriate gas metal arc welding process parameters

Summary

Introduction

The failure of structural materials especially steel is of great concern globally. In Nigeria, steel pipes used for the transportation of water, oil, gas etc. are joined together by welding. Welding is designed to permanently join pieces of materials producing weldments which significantly enhance the rigidity, stability, reliability, and integrity of structural materials. If the quality of the weldment is poor, the weldment will fail either by breaking off due to its brittle nature or by corrosion It has been proven by several researchers that the choice of welding input process parameters can alter the quality of the weldment. Optimizing these process parameters to obtain the best weld quality and multi-response properties cannot be over emphasized. MOORA is one of such techniques that have not been fully utilized in optimizing welding input process parameters and multi-response properties

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion