Multi-Objective Variable Neighborhood Strategy Adaptive Search for Tuning Optimal Parameters of SSM-ADC12 Aluminum Friction Stir Welding

Abstract

This research presents a novel algorithm for finding the most promising parameters of friction stir welding to maximize the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and maximum bending strength (MBS) of a butt joint made of the semi-solid material (SSM) ADC12 aluminum. The relevant welding parameters are rotational speed, welding speed, tool tilt, tool pin profile, and rotation. We used the multi-objective variable neighborhood strategy adaptive search (MOVaNSAS) to find the optimal parameters. We employed the D-optimal to find the regression model to predict for both objectives subjected to the given range of parameters. Afterward, we used MOVaNSAS to find the Pareto front of the objective functions, and TOPSIS to find the most promising set of parameters. The computational results show that the UTS and MBS of MOVaNSAS generate a 2.13% to 10.27% better solution than those of the genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution algorithm (DE), and D-optimal solution. The optimal parameters obtained from MOVaNSAS were a rotation speed of 1469.44 rpm, a welding speed of 80.35 mm/min, a tool tilt of 1.01°, a cylindrical tool pin profile, and a clockwise rotational direction.