Optimization of normal and submerged FSP parameters for dissimilar aluminium joints using taguchi technique

Abstract

The quality of the friction stir processed (FSPed) depends on the proper combination of processing parameters. The proper combination can only be found when a series of experiments have been conducted. However, the Taguchi technique was developed as a way of reducing numerous experiments that are time-consuming and costly. This paper reports on the optimization of parameters for the FSP that is conducted underwater (SFSP) and room temperature (NFSP). The Taguchi L18 method was employed in the design of experiments. The four factors used for the analysis had three factors with three-levels and one with two levels. The parameter combinations for SFSP were different from the combination found for NFSP. The level of parameter sensitivity was found to be influenced by the processing condition.