Optimization of weld bead geometry of MS plate (Grade: IS 2062) in the context of welding: a comparative analysis of GRA and PCA–Taguchi approaches

Abstract

In the last few decades, researchers proceeded their foot for analyzing the weld characteristic index of materials since the development of novel materials began tremendously. Presently, evaluation of the optimum synchronization among considered input factors for materials are even now surviving into ill-defined mode; soliciting novel mathematical models as well as robustly designed decision support systems that could effectively handle nonpartial information (experimental data). In the present reporting, multiobjective optimization dilemmas have been answered in metal inert gas (MIG) welding process using MS plate (Grade: IS 2062) specimen. The considered specimen was checked to harmonize the optimum setting between input factors, for example, welding current, open circuit voltage, and thickness of plate, with respect to obtaining prosperous weld strength as well as bead geometry quality characteristics, for example, tensile strength, bead width, reinforcement, penetration, and dilution. In the present research work, the Taguchi’s L₉ orthogonal array (OA) design was preferred to conduct the experiments on MS plate (Grade: IS 2062) specimens in the domain of MIG welding process. Thereafter, the evaluated multiple objectives transformed into a single response via exploration of grey relation analysis (GRA) and principal component analysis (PCA) approaches to determine the optimum setting between input factors. Next, the outset of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) along with Analysis of variance (ANOVA) productively was utilized to determine the priority weights against the defined input factors (significant factor). The significant contribution of the present report was to propose a robustly designed decision support system that could assist the readers/researchers to resolve the discussed problems.