Optimal model predictive control of plasma pipe welding process

This paper addresses the development of an optimal model predictive control system for quasi-keyhole arc pipe welding process (QAPWP). To this end, a single input two output (SITO) linear discrete model structure is proposed through mechanism analysis. Its parameters are identified offline and updated online. An optimal model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is designed to control the process. Closed-loop control experiments verified the effectiveness of the developed controller despite the variations in the manufacturing conditions.