Comparison of response surface methodology with artificial neural network for prediction of the tensile properties of friction stir-processed surface composites

Abstract

In the present work, nanoboron carbide is integrated in the aluminum matrix using friction stir processing: by varying process parameters, that is, tool pin profile, tool rotational speed and tool traverse speed, based on Taguchi L₁₆ design of experiment. A self-assembled monolayer is successfully developed on the substrate to homogeneously and uniformly distribute the reinforcement particles. Response surface methodology and artificial neural network models are developed using ultimate tensile strength and total elongation as responses. Percentage absolute error between the experimental and predicted values of ultimate tensile strength and total elongation for the response surface methodology model is 3.537 and 2.865, respectively, and for artificial neural network is 2.788 and 2.578, respectively. For both the developed models experimental and forecasted values are in close approximation. The artificial neural network model showed slightly better predictive capacity compared to the response surface methodology model. From the scanning electron microscopy micrograph, it is evident that throughout the matrix B₄C reinforcement particles are well distributed also; with increasing tool rotational speed grain size decreases up to 1200 r/min; on further increasing the tool rotational speed particles starts clustering.