Improving the optimal weld quality of AISI 304L steel based on weld joint design using response surface methodology and particle swarm optimization

The strength and quality of manufactured structures depend on the structural joint design, geometry dimensioning, and the adopted manufacturing processes. This study, evaluates the optimal weld strength of AISI 304L steel based on the weld joint design parameters using the response surface methodology (RSM), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). Results from the analysis of variance (ANOVA), reveals the effect of the joint parameters on the responses, except for the groove face, with no significant effect on any of the responses. Optimization performed using RSM, reveals the optimal joint design parameters of 14.5 mm for groove face, 33 degrees for bevel angle, 2.3 mm for the root opening, and 4 mm root face, and for the responses; 4.08 mm depth of penetration, 472.34 N/mm2 tensile strength, and 33.51% percentage elongation. And for the PSO process, 13.21 mm for groove face, 35 degrees for bevel angle, 2.27 mm for the root opening, and 2.55 mm root face, along with the responses; 2.23 mm depth of penetration, 481.23 N/mm2 tensile strength, and 37.51% percentage elongation. The study reveals that with the particle swarm optimization a more qualitative solution can be obtained.