Predictions of the optimized friction stir spot welding process parameters for joining AA2024 aluminum alloy using RSM

The friction stir spot welding process (FSSW) is a variant of the linear friction stir welding process in which the material is being welded without bulk melting. The FSSW parameters such as tool rotational speed, plunge rate, plunge depth, and dwell time play a major role in determining the strength of the joints. A central composite rotatable design with four factors and five levels was chosen to minimize the number of experimental conditions. An empirical relationship was established to predict the tensile shear fracture load of friction stir spot-welded AA2024 aluminum alloy by incorporating independently controllable FSSW process parameters. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the FSSW parameters to attain maximum lap shear strength of the spot weld.