Effect of the post-processing time interval between tungsten inert gas welded and friction stir processing of aluminium joint using Taguchi signal-to-noise ratio

The current study represents an endeavour to examine the influence of the post-processing time interval that exists between friction stir processing and tungsten inert gas welding of aluminium joints, with the objective of mitigating defects and enhancing the weld's mechanical strength. Friction stir processing was performed on each tungsten inert gas welded AA5083 aluminium joint utilizing filler wire ER 5356. A total of nine samples were subjected to experimental analysis for time intervals of 0, 45, and 90 min. Analysis was carried out with varying parameters such as current rate, gas flow rate, and feeding rod diameter employing the Taguchi design of experiments methodology. Regression equations leveraging the Taguchi design of the framework of the experiments with regard to the ultimate tensile strength and hardness were generated separately. Signal-to-noise ratio and analysis of variance analysis were carried out to examine the effects of different input parameters on establishing the levels of output responses in the weld joints. Further parametric investigations with increments of 15 minutes suggested friction stir processed tungsten inert gas welded joints yielded superior outcomes in terms of ultimate strength and hardness when the time interval between tungsten inert gas welding and friction stir processing was minimized. Trends of signal-to-noise ratio for various parameters and interaction plots suggested similar results.