Development of response surface model for tensile shear strength of weld-bonds of aluminium alloy 6061 T651

The development of a response surface model to study the influence of process parameters of weld-bonding on tensile shear strength of the weld-bond of 2 mm thick aluminium alloy 6061 T651 sheets has been reported. Significant and controllable process parameters of the weld-bonding (surface roughness, curing time, welding current, welding time and electrode pressure) and their ranges were identified by conducting pilot experiments. Welding current, welding time and welding pressure were identified as significant and controllable parameters. Influence of the significant process parameters and their interaction on the tensile shear strength of the weld-bonds was studied using response surface methodology (RSM). Using model, the optimal combination of weld bonding process parameters for maximum tensile shear strength of the weld bond was obtained. The validity of the model was evaluated on weld bonds developed using different levels of process parameters and testing their tensile shear strength. The model error was found to be in a range of 3–7%.