Multi-Objective Optimization of Welding Processes Using Modified Rao Algorithms

The welding community faces a challenging problem in choosing the best welding methods since they are multi-input processes. Modern manufacturing industries have requirements to get fast and optimum process parameters to utilize complete resources in an optimum way. This work attempts to improve the performance of submerged arc welding (SAW), friction welding (FW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) processes by optimizing their parameters. The newly developed Rao algorithms and their modified versions known as quasi-oppositional Rao (QO Rao), self-adaptive multi-population elite Rao (SAMPE Rao), and improved Rao (I-Rao) are used. This paper contains four multi-objective optimization case studies of SAW, FW, and GTAW processes. A weighted approach is employed to tackle the multi-objective optimization problems effectively. The outcomes achieved using the Rao, QO Rao, SAMPE Rao, and I-Rao algorithms are compared with those obtained by the established optimization algorithms such as accelerated cuckoo optimization algorithm (ACCOA), cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA), plant propagation algorithm (PPA), teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm, Jaya algorithm, quasi-oppositional Jaya (QO Jaya) algorithm, genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and heat transfer search (HTS) algorithm. The effectiveness of the Rao algorithms and their modified versions has been clearly demonstrated as these algorithms have provided superior solutions while requiring fewer generations to achieve them.