Optimization of 2024-T3 Aluminum Alloy Friction Stir Welding Using Random Forest, XGBoost, and MLP Machine Learning Techniques

This study optimized friction stir welding (FSW) parameters for 1.6 mm thick 2024T3 aluminum alloy sheets. A 3 × 3 factorial design was employed to explore tool rotation speeds (1100 to 1300 rpm) and welding speeds (140 to 180 mm/min). Static tensile tests revealed the joints’ maximum strength at 87...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Piotr Myśliwiec, Andrzej Kubit, Paulina Szawara
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-03-01
Series:Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/17/7/1452
Description
Summary:This study optimized friction stir welding (FSW) parameters for 1.6 mm thick 2024T3 aluminum alloy sheets. A 3 × 3 factorial design was employed to explore tool rotation speeds (1100 to 1300 rpm) and welding speeds (140 to 180 mm/min). Static tensile tests revealed the joints’ maximum strength at 87% relative to the base material. Hyperparameter optimization was conducted for machine learning (ML) models, including random forest and XGBoost, and multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (MLP-ANN) models, using grid search. Welding parameter optimization and extrapolation were then carried out, with final strength predictions analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The ML models achieved over 98% accuracy in parameter regression, demonstrating significant effectiveness in FSW process enhancement. Experimentally validated, optimized parameters resulted in an FSW joint efficiency of 93% relative to the base material. This outcome highlights the critical role of advanced analytical techniques in improving welding quality and efficiency.
ISSN:1996-1944