Modeling and optimization of friction stir stitching of AISI 201 stainless steel via Box-Behnken design methodology

The paper investigates the modelling and optimization of the notch-repaired/friction stir stitched AISI 201 stainless steel welds via the use of a non-consumable tool-based repair process. The repair process employs a sequential hopping-stitching approach. This approach involves the application of two intercepted and completely overlapped plunging actions of a probe-less titanium carbide tool to create an effective refilling and repair of the notched zone. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed for the experimental planning, modelling, and optimization of the notch-repair process. Tool rotational speed, penetration depth and dwell time of the tool were the studied process parameters while tensile strength was the response variable. A quadratic model was identified as the best model for the notch-repaired welds based on the combination of a low sequential P-value of 0.008216, a high lack of fit P-value of 0.931366, and a close to unity adjusted and predicted R-square values. The process parameter and their interaction effects on the tensile strength of the repaired notch were identified via the ANOVA analysis. Plunge depth (main effect) and interaction effect of tool rotational speed and dwell time had significant influences on the notch-repair process and the resultant tensile strength of the AISI 201 stainless steel. The visual representations of these effects were shown through the 2D elliptical contour and 3D response surface plots. The optimized process parameters were identified as 1215.9795 rpm, 0.40262212 mm, and 5.98706376 s while the resultant notch-repaired joint yielded a tensile strength of 886 MPa, which is close to the predicted value.