Mathematical Models for Optimal Bead Geometry for GMA Welding Process

A major concern in Gas Metal Arc (GMA) welding process is the determination of welding process variables such as wire diameter, gas flow rate, welding speed, arc current and welding voltage and their effects on the desired weld bead dimensions and shape. To successfully accomplish this objective, 81 welded samples from mild steel AS 1204 flats adopting the bead-on-plate technique were employed in the experiment. The experimental results were used to develop a mathematical model to predict the magnitude of bead geometry as follows; weld bead width, weld bead height, weld bead penetration depth, weld penetration shape factor, weld reinforcement shape factor, weld bead total area, weld bead penetration area, weld bead reinforcement area, weld bead dilution, length of weld bead penetration boundary and length of weld bead reinforcement boundary, and to establish the relationships between weld process parameters and bead geomery. Multiple regression analysis was employed for investigating and modeling the GMA process and significance test techniques were applied for the interpretation of the experimental data.