Machine Learning Algorithms for Prediction of Penetration Depth and Geometrical Analysis of Weld in Friction Stir Spot Welding Process

Nowadays, manufacturing sectors harness the power of machine learning and data science algorithms to make predictions for the optimization of mechanical and microstructure properties of fabricated mechanical components. The application of these algorithms reduces the experimental cost beside leads to reduce the time of experiments. The present research work is based on the prediction of penetration depth using Supervised Machine Learning algorithms such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest Algorithm, and Robust Regression algorithm. A Friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW) was used to join two elements of AA1230 aluminum alloys. The dataset consists of three input parameters: Rotational Speed (rpm), Dwelling Time (seconds), and Axial Load (KN), on which the machine learning models were trained and tested. It observed that the Robust Regression machine learning algorithm outperformed the rest of the algorithms by resulting in the coefficient of determination of 0.96. The research work also highlights the application of image processing techniques to find the geometrical features of the weld formation.