Title: Multi-objective optimisation of FCAW parameters using grey-based Taguchi with entropy technique

Authors: M. Satheesh; J. Edwin Raja Dhas

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Kumaracoil, Tamil nadu, Pin 629180, India ' Department of Automobile Engineering, Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Kumaracoil, Tamil nadu, Pin 629180, India

Abstract: Quality of weld mainly depends on the mechanical properties of the weld, which in turn relays on the interaction of the weld parameters. This paper discusses the multi response optimisation of weld parameters using grey based Taguchi method with entropy technique. Experiments were conducted using Taguchi's orthogonal array. The weld parameters are identified as welding current, arc voltage and electrode stickout with bead hardness and material deposition rate as responses. Based on grey relational grade, optimum levels of parameters have been identified. Significant contributions are estimated using analysis of variance. Confirmation test was conducted to validate the proposed method. Taguchi experimental design for determining welding parameters was successful. It is found that the electrode stickout is a most prominent contribution factor for this welding process. This evaluation procedure can be used in decision-making to select process parameters for a welder. The proposed and developed method has good accuracy and competency.

Keywords: flux cored arc welding; FCAW; parameter optimisation; orthogonal arrays; grey relational analysis; GRA; Taguchi methods; analysis of variance; ANOVA; process parameters; entropy techniques; weld quality; weld parameters; multi-objective optimisation; welding current; arc voltage; electrode stickout; bead hardness; material deposition rates; evaluation procedures; decision making; welders.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2015.067248

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2015 Vol.19 No.2, pp.190 - 205

Received: 07 Mar 2013
Accepted: 05 Aug 2013
Published online: 02 Feb 2015 *

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