Artificial neural network modelling for polyethylene FSSW parameters

Abstract

In a Friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW) process, welding parameters (the tool rotational speed, tool plunge depth, and stirring time) affect the nugget formation in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets. The size and microstructure of the nugget determine the resistance of the joint to outer forces. The optimization of these parameters is vital to obtaining high-quality welds. Feed forward back-propagation artificial neural network models are developed to optimize the FSSW parameters for HDPE sheets. Input variables of these models include tool rotation speed (rpm), the plunge depth (mm), and the stirring time (s) that affect lap-shear fracture load (N) output. Prediction performances of 6 models in different specifications are compared. These models differ in terms of the training dataset used (80%-100%) and the number of neurons (5-10-20) in a hidden layer. The best prediction performances are obtained using 20 neurons in a hidden layer in both training dataset. There is good agreement between developed models' predictions and the experimental data. (c) 2018 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved.