Optimization of process parameters of friction welding of UNS S31803 duplex stainless steels joints

This article presents an approach based on Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis to optimize process parameters of friction welding of UNS31803 duplex stainless steel. The main objective is to maximize mechanical properties like tensile strength, hardness and impact toughness and to minimize corrosion rate. Heating pressure, heating time, upsetting pressure and upsetting time were the four process parameters taken each at three levels. According to Taguchi quality design concept, an L9 orthogonal array was selected for experiments. The best combination of process parameters was found by both Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis. The influence of the process parameters on overall quality characteristics of the friction welding process was evaluated by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. The confirmation test results with optimal parameters confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method in this study. Later, comparison was done between Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis on the basis of improvement in multiresponse signal to noise (S/N) ratio over initial process parameters. Grey relational analysis was proved to be a better technique than Taguchi method for optimization of multiple responses.     

A comparative analysis of metallurgical and mechanical properties of friction welded and post weld heat treated (oil quenched) duplex stainless steel joints

The effects of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) and oil quenching on the metallurgical and mechanical properties of the duplex (UNS S31803) welded joints were evaluated at three different temperatures namely 1080, 1150 and 1200 °C. The microstructural variation, austenite/ferrite phase changes, grain size measurements and microhardness aspects of the welded joint were observed. The fraction of ferrite and austenite phases was equivalent at 1150 °C. Nickel element was more efficient in controlling the twin phase balance. Finer grain structure was achieved at 1150 °C due to recrystallization effect. Twin phase presence and absence of precipitates were confirmed through XRD and TEM which followed Kurdjumov–Sachs relationship. At a heating pressure of 40 MPa, heating time of 4 s, an upsetting pressure of 80 MPa, and an upsetting time of 2 s during a PWHT at 1150 °C, a 50/50 balance between the duplex phases, fine grains, and increased microhardness were obtained.     

Hybrid Approach to Optimal Packing Using Genetic Algorithm and Coulomb Potential Algorithm

It is difficult and computationally time-consuming to find the best possible solutions for blank packing problems, because they include a lot of underlying combinational conditions. This paper presents two approaches for packing two-dimensional irregular-shaped polygonal elements—a real-encoded genetic algorithm and a hybrid algorithm using a real-encoded genetic algorithm and a local optimization algorithm. The local optimization algorithm presented is a novel one utilizing the Coulomb potential technique.

In the hybrid approach, the real-encoded genetic algorithm generates the order of the polygons while the coulomb potential algorithm determines the embodiment layout under the fixed combinations so as to minimize the scrap. The hybrid genetic algorithm is found to give better results for problems of larger size although it takes more computational time.