Optimization of friction stir welding process parameters for HDPE sheets using satisfaction function approach

The weld strength of thermoplastics, such as high-density polyethylene and polypropylene sheets is influenced by friction stir welding (FSW) parameters. The determination of the welding parameters plays an important role in the weld strength. For the influential use of the thermoplastic joints, the weld should have adequate strength and elongation. The quality of the joint has been evaluated by examining the characteristics of the joint efficiency as a result of ultimate tensile strength and % elongation. In this study, the Taguchi approach of parameter design has been used as a statistical design of experiment technique to set the optimal welding parameters for HDPE sheets. The experiments have been planned according to Taguchi’s L₁₆ orthogonal array. The signal-to-noise ratio and the analysis of variance have been utilized to obtain the influence of the friction stir welding parameters on the weld strength and% elongation. The satisfaction function approach has been also used in order to optimize the multi-response attributes.