Temperature-based optimization of friction stir welding of AA 6061 using GRA synchronous with Taguchi method

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a recent novel joining mechanism in the solid-state welding process. It is extensively used to join similar and dissimilar materials as well. This research studied and found the optimum process parameters of FSW based on the temperature simulation results on a 5-mm 6061 Al alloy sheet with a butt joint configuration. Steady-state heat transfer analysis was performed using a transient thermal workbench to predict and identify the optimum parameters based on the simulation welding temperature result. The parameters are optimized using the hybrid Taguchi L-9 orthogonal array and grey relation analysis (GRA) method with a larger is better quality characteristic. The mechanical properties of the weld joints such as hardness and tensile strength were studied at an ambient temperature. The result revealed that a higher rotational and minimum welding speed with taper threaded tool pin imparts the optimum parameter settings. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out also to determine the effects of each process parameter. At a 95% confidence interval, rotational and welding speed are significant parameters. The joint efficiency reached 92.25% of the base metal at optimum parameter settings. Additionally, the microstructure of the stir weld zone of the specimen was studied as well. Metallographic characterization carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the microstructure of the samples after the weld did not show much significant change with the base metal.