TITLE:
Prediction and Selection of the Best Process Parameters to Improve Toughness of Mild Steel Welded Joints
AUTHORS:
Larry M. Ebhota, Osamede Osarobo Ogbeide, Innocent Uduehi Abhulimen
KEYWORDS:
Impact, Weldment, Mild Steel, Specimen
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.8 No.8,
August
12,
2021
ABSTRACT: Poor combination of input process parameters has resulted in an innumerable amount of weld failure due to its negative influence on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the welded joints. To improve the welded joint, it is imperative that the material toughness be optimized. The aim of this study is to predict and enhance the toughness of mild steel welded joint using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). 10 mm mild steel plate was cut into 200 piece coupons measuring 27.5 × 10 × 10 mm for the experiment, after welding of the piece, 100 specimens of 55 × 10 × 10 mm were produced and the experiment was performed 20 times. Charpy impact tester was employed to measure the degree of toughness of the material, and results were analyzed using RSM. The results produced an optimum impact test of 275.514 joules at a desirability value of 95.6%. This optimum impact test was achieved through the use of current of 120.00 amp, voltage of 20.00 volt and gas flow rate of 12.00 L/min. The weld current was found to have a greater influence on the impact strength of the weldment as compared to voltage and gas flow rate at a moderate level.