Selection of Optimal Process Parameters for a Mild Steel Weld using Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution

Abstract

Welding is a major operation in many industries such as production and manufacturing, oil and gas, amongst others. Obtaining an optimal weld with the required properties; tensile strength and hardness is of high importance. The work used the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to select the optimal process parameters for a mild steel weld by employing five (5) standard steps in ranking 30 experimental steps. The result obtained gave an optimal tensile strength and hardness of 496.5MPa and 190.2 respectively for a combined input parameters of 170Amp, 20volts, 22l/min, and 3.2mm. These data is very important as it will provide the necessary information for evaluating the durability and lifespan of the weld product which are factors considered in assessing its quality.