Identification of Optimal Condition for Solid State Welding of Al/SiCp Composite using Taguchi Principles Integrated TOPSIS (TPIT) Method

Traditional fusion welding techniques generally involve melting of parent material and were found to produce poor joints with aluminium based alloys and composites. The aim of research is to study the strength related characteristics of solid state joints formed with Al/SiCp composites using continuous drive friction welding process. The dominant welding parameters included in study are frictional pressure, upset pressure, speed of rotation and burn off length. The mechanical properties such as proof stress, tensile strength and Vickers hardness are observed for various joints, formed using a L27 orthogonal array design. The optimal welding condition is sorted out using Taguchi principles integrated with technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TPIT) method, taking into account the factor interactions as well. The approach is validated through the confirmation test. ANOVA is performed to supplement the TPIT method and upset pressure is identified as the prime parameter affecting the responses. The microscopic images of fractured surfaces are also examined.