Minimization of bead geometry by optimization of regression equations for laser-beam bead-on-plate welded Hastelloy C-276 sheet

The present study is aimed at selection of laser beam welding parameters that would produce through-penetrated weld zone with minimum cross-sectional area in 2.7-mm-thick Hastelloy C-276 sheet. Weld zone area was found to be comprised of geometrical features such as total throat, crown width, root width, neck width. A new, fast and relatively simple method of optimization has been proposed in the present study. Regression equation for each geometrical feature was generated from the full factorial experimental design data. Optimization of welding parameters to minimize weld zone area was carried out by solving regression equations using experimentally obtained values of geometrical features as the boundary condition. Once the optimized value of parametric combination was obtained, experiment was conducted to confirm the minimization of weld bead cross-sectional geometry.