Parameters optimization in FSW of polypropylene based on RSM

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to weld polypropylene (PP) material by friction stir welding (FSW) process. The input process parameters considered were: tool pin profile, feed rate and tool rotational speed and the process output characteristics were tensile strength, Shore-D hardness, Rockwell hardness, Izod strength, Charpy strength and nugget area.

Design/methodology/approach

Optimization of process parameters were carried out based on response surface methodology (RSM) and significant parameters were obtained by performing analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

The optimized results were the threaded pin profile for feed of 60 mm/min and tool rotational speed of 1,500 rpm. A confirmation test was carried out to verify the optimized results.

Originality/value

In this paper, the process parameters were optimized based on RSM. This is newly adopted optimization techniques in the FSW process of PP materials and also it gives better results.

Citation

Panneerselvam, K. and Lenin, K. (2015), "Parameters optimization in FSW of polypropylene based on RSM", Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 32-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/MMMS-07-2013-0048