Optimizing CO2 laser beam welding parameters for magnesium hybrid metal matrix composites (ZE41A)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The current work is the investigation of optimizing input welding parameters of CO2 laser welding of two stir squeeze casted magnesium (ZE41A) matrix silicon nitride and alumina-reinforced hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs). Two similar hybrid MMC plates were joined by the CO2 laser beam welding process and were investigated for input welding parameters influencing the metallurgical and mechanical properties. The identified parameters were subjected to optimization by Box-Behnken experimental design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the experimental trials were validated by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). With increases of 16% and 23%, the microhardness and tensile strength peaked at 207 MPa and 78 HV, respectively. The ideal input welding settings were 3500W of laser power, 4 mm/minute welding speed, and a focus length of 1.5 mm.