Optimisation and sensitivity analysis of friction stir spot-welding process parameters for joining AA 6061 aluminum alloy

Al- Mg- Si aluminum alloy has gathered wide acceptance in automotive industries requiring a high strength-to weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. The friction stir spot welding process is a variant of linear friction stir welding process in which the material is being welded without bulk melting. The FSSW parameters such as tool rotational speed, plunge rate, plunge depth, dwell time play major role in determining the strength of the joints. A central composite rotatable design with four factors and five levels has been chosen. An empirical relationship is established to predict the tensile shear fracture load of friction stir spot-welded AA6061 aluminum alloy by incorporating independently controllable FSSW process parameters. Response Surface Methodology is applied to optimise the FSSW parameters to attain maximum lap shear strength of the spot weld and sensitivity analysis is carried out to study the impact of process parameters on output.

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