Evolutionary Intelligence

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12065-018-0161-5

SPECIAL ISSUE

Optimizing parameters of TIG welding process using grey wolf

optimization concerning 15CDV6 steel
P. D. Skariya1,2 · M. Satheesh3 · J. Edwin Raja Dhas3

Received: 18 April 2018 / Revised: 16 July 2018 / Accepted: 22 July 2018

© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2018

Abstract
Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials by causing fusion. Even though there available various welding types
like MIG/MAG and MMA welding, they need additional electrodes while doing welding process. Aspiration of this paper
is to introduce Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding via an optimization approach namely Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) that
is systemized for high-quality welding process and with this aspect, it discovers the impact of TIG welding process param-
eters on the weld bead profile of 15CDV6 High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steel. Furthermore, the used GWO algorithm
effectively recognizes the optimal welding constraints for increasing the Depth of Penetration (DOP) and reduces Bead
Width (BW) as well as Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) width as well. The cooperating variables for model investigation are
Welding current (WEc), Torch speed (TOs), Gas flow rate (GAR), Torch angle (TOG) and Arc gap (ARG). The investigation is
processed undertaking certain responding factors like DOP, BW and HAZ width. The supplementary factor of the proposed
model shows its beneficial work through of 15CDV6 steel in progressing rocket-motor hardware program, engineering
works in industrial level, pressure vessel fabrication and so on. The attained outcomes have demonstrated its extreme level
of benefits in some of the strategies, which utilizing 15CDV6 steel in rocket-motor hardware program, industries, pressure
vessels fabrication and so on.

Keywords  Welding · Tungsten inert gas · High strength low alloy · 15CDV6 steel · Grey wolf optimization

1 Introduction strength, which is higher than 275 MPa, 1, 2 to attain a pre-

HSLA steels, also termed as microalloyed steels are mainly
there to grant effective mechanical assets along it gives
higher resistance to atmospheric corrosion than any other
existing carbon steels. Particularly, HSLA is designed
to attain distinct mechanical properties including yield
* P. D. Skariya
skariyapd2005@gmail.com; skariya2005@gmail.com
M. Satheesh
satheeshudaya@gmail.com
J. Edwin Raja Dhas
edwinrajadhas@rediffmail.com
1
Vidya Academy of Science and Technology, Near Gahgurtha
Dhyana Kendram, Thrissur, Kerala 680501, India
2
Department of Mechanical engineering, Noorul Islam Centre
for Higher Education, Kumaracoil, Thuckalay, Kanyakumari,
Tamil Nadu 629180, India
3
Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Kumaracoil,
Thuckalay, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629180, India
cise chemical composition. In order to meet some needed
mechanical properties, HSLA steel’s chemical composition
might get differ for various product thicknesses [9]. Six cat-
egories are there in HSLA steel including As-rolled pearlitic
steels, Dual-phase steels, Weathering steels, Microalloyed
ferrite-pearlite steels, Inclusion-shape-controlled steels and
Acicular ferrite (low-carbon bainite) steels.
Certain applications are possible with HSLA steels that
comprise of oil as well as gas pipelines, off-road vehicles
and heavy-duty highway, structuring and farm machinery,
storage tanks, industrial apparatus, mine as well as barges,
railroad cars, snowmobiles, passenger car components and
lawn mowers. Additionally, offshore structures, Bridges,
light poles, towers (power transmission), and beams con-
struction and panels use these type steels [10]. The welding
of HSLA steel is a major concept, and probably TIG weld-
ing process [26] leads a major role in this process. TIG is
used for better weld appearance and also when there require
high-quality welding. In this TIG process, there forms an
electric arc among tungsten electrode as well as base metal.

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The sheltering of arc region is done by means of inert gas
or mixture of gases. The electrodes (tungsten) are heated to
a high temperature that emits the required electrons for the
arc operation [11].
Generally, in this TIG welding [14–16, 24, 25], the
restrictions are there for full penetration welding, and this is
for joining maximum thickness of 3 mm with short welding
speed. Even though the speed of welding can be improved
substantially at the use of helium or hydrogen, the pen-
etration of bead is somewhat low (1 ± 2 mm) [1, 2]. The
requirement of using inert gases again restricts the capabil-
ity to progress the penetration by the choosing of shielding
mixture. The alternative process of TIG [12, 13] welding
is plasma arc welding process that allows the welding of
10 mm thick joint in a single pass. Conversely, this plasma
welding is highly difficult and also has greater initial cost
and operational costs (high cost) also when compared to
TIG process. TIG welding [17, 18] also needed to enhance
with respect to some criteria like the ability of shallow pen-
etration, mostly in the single pass welding process, low pro-
ductivity and so on. A number of methods in terms of TIG
welding [19–23, 36–38] process are available so far, and
however, more care should be needed with respect to weld-
ing parameters. Metaheuristic are one of the best renowned
approaches [32–35, 39–41] in order to solve the problems
for the process of the welding.
This paper intends to propose a new TIG welding model
via an optimization approach, GWO that is modeled for
high-quality welding process and with this aspect, it exploits
the impact of TIG welding process parameters on the weld
bead profile of 15CDV6 HSLA steel. The proposed model
compares its performance over other methods like FireFly
(FF) [31], Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) [30], Artifi-
cial Bee Colony (ABC) [29], and Genetic Algorithm (GA)
[28], and proves the superior level of the proposed model.
The rest of the paper is arranged as follows: Sect. 2 reviews
the literature work. Section 3 explains the experimental
design. Section 4 explains the GWO optimization approach
that used for optimal parameter prediction. Section 5 details
the neural model for parameter prediction, and Sect. 6 con-
cludes the paper.
2 Literature review
2.1 Related works
P Vasantharaja and M Vasudevan [1] used Response Sur-
face Methodology (RSM) in the optimization of Activated
TIG (A-TIG) to achieve the parameters of weld bead shape
such as penetration shape, bead width as well as Heat-
Affected Zone (HAZ). The major issue in the fabrication
of weld joints was the choosing of optimal input variables
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Evolutionary Intelligence
combinations to achieve needed welding quality. The speci-
fied issue was solved via the progression of mathemati-
cal form, and RSM did the experimental execution. They
used the RSM’s central composite design for generating
the design matrix for data generation, which was under the
control of parameters of A-TIG welding progression. The
considered input variables were as follows: torch speed,
welding current, arc gap and electrode tip angle. Also,
they considered some response variables like penetration
depth, bead width as well as HAZ width. They also devel-
oped a second-order response surface approach to predict
the response of process parameters. Finally, they done both
numerical as well as a graphical optimization by RSM for
obtaining the required penetration depth, bead width as well
as target HAZ width.
Moradi et al. [2] studied the Nd:YAG laser-(TIG) hybrid
butt joint welding parameters of stainless steel 1.4418
through coupling the pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a Continu-
ous Wave (CW) TIG source. Investigations were done as per
RSM, which was considered as an algebraic design for eval-
uating the parameters’ impact on the response deviations,
and achieved certain mathematical equations for predicting
new results. Two criteria were considered: input processes
like Welding speed, TIG current as well as the distance of
heat sources, and process response such as weld surface
width, weld seam area, as well as weld penetration. From
the analytical results, it was stated that speed of welding is
the vital parameter between those parameters along reverse
impact on process outputs. Moreover, the paper has also
gone through with an optimization model for achieving the
best geometrical dimensions of weld profiles.
Naik Korra et al. [3] analyzed and discussed the impact
of welding process parameters of activated tungsten inert
gas on duplex stainless steel alloy 2205. The design matrix
was developed to conduct the investigation using RSM. The
variations were done for some input process parameters like
torch speed, current as well as arc gap that outputs in 21
experimental trials. They also measured responses after the
experimentation process. Along with this, the development
of second-order RSM was done to predict the responses of
the input parameters. Finally, in order to attain desired weld
bead geometry, there performed multi-objective optimiza-
tion, and this was done via desirability approach.
Azam et al. [4] developed an average surface roughness
(Ra) approach for turning high strength low-alloy steel by
multilayer coated carbide tools. The employment of certain
tests series using RSM was also there for developing a rela-
tionship with Ra as well as machining parameters. Here, the
feed rate was observed as the major parameter that controls
the surface roughness. The proposed model’s accuracy was
confirmed by validation data along average prediction error
of 3.38%.
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Lin and Chou [5] applied an integrated model by Taguchi
approach that has used Artificial Neural Network (ANN),
along with GA for optimizing the weld bead geometry. The
approach included two stages, and in this, the initial stage
has executed initial optimization by Taguchi approach for
constructing a database for the ANN, and in the next stage,
ANN was utilized for providing the nonlinear relationship
among factors as well as response. Further, GA was con-
cerned for obtaining the optimal factor settings. Finally, the
investigational outcomes reviewed that the weld bead geom-
etry of optimal welding parameters by the developed model
was slender than applying Taguchi method.
Srivastava and Gar [6] studied the impact of different
process parameters on welding of IS:2062 mild steel plate
by gas metalarc welding approach with copper coated mild
steel wire that is of 0.8 mm diameter. There performed a
set of investigation for collecting the data by Box Behnken
Design model of RSM. With the considered recorded data,
they have developed the mathematical models. Furthermore,
there attempted reducing the bead width and bead height,
and also RSM has maximized the penetration depth.
Hsuan-Liang Lin [7] worked to optimize the weld bead
geometry of Inconel 718 alloy GTA. To get the optimal
welding parameters along multiple Quality Characteris-
tics (QCs), they employed NN. Here, NN with the Lev-
enberg–Marquardt BP (LMBP) algorithm was utilized to
offer the nonlinear relationship among the parameters and
GRG of all specimens. They have defined the GTA’s optimal
parameters via simulating parameters along with the usage
of well-trained BPNN approach. The investigational process
enhances the DWR of the weld bead and also improves the
penetration of Inconel 718 alloy welds.
Sreehari et al. [8] stated that ATIG welding parameters
like travel speed, electrode gap, current as well as voltage
were the main influences in the welding process, which
helps in controlling the aspect ratio of duplex stainless
steel DSS joints. The parameters should optimize to attain
desired ASR for DSS joints. In this work, the parame-
ters were optimized via Taguchi Orthogonal Array (OA)
design and also with certain statistical tools like Analysis
of Variance (ANOVA) as well as Pooled ANOVA models.
Here, the optimal parameters were identified as electrode
gap (1 mm), a current (140), travel speed (130 mm/min),
and voltage (12 V). With the use of these optimal param-
eters, aspect ratio and the ferrite content were identified
to be well and there attained no solidification cracking.
2.2 Review
See Table 1.
3 Experimental design
3.1 Objective model
To attain the desired aim, this study of analysis comes out
with the below sequence:
1. To identify the most prominent welding parameters of
inert metal gas that has the highest influence on weld
bead geometry.

Table 1  Features and challenges of various TIG welding process

Author Method Features Challenges

Vasantharaja and Vasudevan [1]
Moradi et al. [2]
Naik Korra et al. [3]
Azam et al. [4]
Lin and Chou [5]
Srivastava and Gar [6]
Hsuan-Liang Lin [7]
Sreehari et al. [8]
RSM Obtains optimum quality solution Possible to have huge polynomials
Avoids over interpretation Not so accurate
RSM Obtains fast response Experimental outcomes may not be satisfactory
Rotatbility Not so accurate
RSM Obtains optimum quality solution Possible to have huge polynomials
Avoids over interpretation Not so accurate
RSM Obtains fast response Experimental outcomes may not be satisfactory
Rotatbility Not so accurate
Neural- Gives optimal welding parameters Genetic algorithm does not find global maxima
Genetic Improves the quality of welding Increased convergence time
Approach
RSM Attains optimum quality solution Possible to have huge polynomials
over interpretation is highly avoided Not so accurate
NN Requires low formal statistical training High computational burden
Offers dependent and independent variables Prone to overfitting
Taguchi OA Found optimum welding parameters Less cooling rate affects the process
Avoids cracking Improvement is needed in the fusion process

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2. To identify the parameter limits: both the upper and
lower limits.
3. To create an experimental design matrix.
4. Accomplishing some set of experimentation as per the
designed matrix.
5. Responses recording.
6. Building the mathematical models.
7. Sufficiency of the developed model.
3.2 Study materials
The used structural material for this analytical purpose is
15CDV6 Steel (HSLA steel). Generally, this material is
suitable for various applications like Rocket motor casings,
Pressure vessels and so on. The record of welding PP’s that
used for the weldments’ preparation is tabulated in Table 2.
3.3 Parameters and bounds
Through the literature exploration and lab analysis, all the
initial process parameters affect weld bead geometry includ-
ing DOP, BW and HAZ width are chosen. The five param-
eters that chosen are as follows: welding current (WEc), torch
speed (TOs), gas flow rate (GAR), torch angle (TOG) and arc
gap (ARG), and subsequently five levels are given to each
input parameter that mentioned here.
As per this, the porosity and overlap are observed with
currently less than 170 W. Next to this, if the voltage is
larger than 190W porosity, both the spatter and undercut are
observed. If (GAR), gas flow rate is less than 10 lpm, blow
holes and porosity were major defects observed. However,
if (GAR) is greater than 14 lpm, then the observation of gas
entrapment is done.
3.4 Experimental setup
The major objective of this analysis is the optimization of
TIG welded process using GWO to determine certain crite-
ria like maximum DOP, minimum BW and minimum HAZ
width by deploying autogenous welding on a bead on plate
trials. The Design of Experiments (DOE) was performed
using Central Composite Design (CCD) of GWO, and
Design Expert software forms the experimental groupings.
Table 2  Materials exploited in the welding process
Material Description
Bead on plate dimensions 100 mm × 100 mm × 6.2 mm
Electrode 2% thoriated tungsten electrode along
diameter 3.2 mm
Polarity DCEN (direct current electrode negative)
Shielding gas Pure argon
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Complete experimentations were done to discover the
combinations of the optimal parameter. A number of trial
simulations were done through 6.2 mm thick rolled plates
of 15CDV6 steel to define possible working limits of cur-
rent Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) conditions. Dif-
ferent process parameter mixtures were deployed to do trail
researches for identifying the working limits of each PP’s.
The strategies like bead appearance, defect-free weld, and
bead contour, and quality was examined to find the param-
eters’ working limits that utilized for welding and the obser-
vations are as follows:
• If current (WEC) is lower than 160A, then there occurs
incomplete penetration or fusion’s inadequateness.
In contrast, if WEC is higher than 200A, then obtains
extreme melting or burn that owes from increased heat
input.
• If torch speed (TOS) is lower than 60 mm/min, further
burn through along reinforcement is noticed. If WEs is
higher than 100 mm/min, the observation of inadequacy
of shallow penetration and fusion is done.
• If (GAR) is less than 8 L/min, then the porosities are dis-
cerned from the weld bead, which is because of inad-
equate shielding. In contrast, if (GAR) is higher than 16 L/
min, then the generation of porosities are noticed, which
are formed due to the agitated flow gas. Moreover, many
usages of shielding gas leads to increasing welding cost.
• If (TOG)is lower than 70° and greater than 110°, then the
flow of shielding gas is far from weld metal and thus the
porosities are observed from the bead. Here, the bead is
noted to be wider in one direction and the shadow pen-
etration was identified.
• If (ARG) is less than 1.5 mm, then the electrodes are
identified to be fixed to the workpiece. Also if (ARG) is
greater than 3.5 mm, then the arc initiations will be more
difficult, and there also has the feasibility of spatter.
3.5 Design matrix
With the consideration of all the above constraints, the fea-
sible parameter limits are chosen by which the 15CDV6
plate needs to be welded by avoiding any of the defects.
Owing to the constraint diversity, it is determined to search
five levels, five parameters, rotatable central composite and
design matrix for defining the optimum values via investi-
gational stipulations. Table 3 gives the process parameters
and their corresponding working limits. As per the design
matrix, thirty-two sets of experimentation stipulations and
their respective relative responses are given in Table 4. Here,
in this matrix, the initial 16 rows refers to the half factorial
­(25−1=16) model and the following 10 rows show the axial
or star points. The final 6 rows specify the centre points. The
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Table 3  Process parameters and Parameter Notation Units Coded values

their working range
− 2 − 1 0 + 1 + 2
C
Welding current WE Ampere 160 170 180 190 200
Torch speed TOS mm/min 60 70 80 90 100
Gas flow rate GAR ltr/min 8 10 12 14 16
Torch angle TOG Degree 70 80 90 100 110
Arc gap ARG mm 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5

Table 4  Design matrix with experimental responses

Design Matrix Responses
SI No: Coded values
Std Run WEC (Ampere) TOS (mm/min) GAR (ltr/min) TOG (degree) ARG (mm) Depth of Bead width (mm) HAZ width (mm)
penetration
(mm)

15 1 − 1 1 1 1 − 1 2.495 8.5 2.192

6 2 1 − 1 1 − 1 1 3.012 11.375 3.481
11 3 − 1 1 − 1 1 1 2.827 10.792 2.183
4 4 1 1 − 1 − 1 1 2.653 10.708 2.696
8 5 1 1 1 − 1 − 1 2.403 9.267 2.635
12 6 1 1 − 1 1 − 1 3.812 9.482 2.302
1 7 − 1 − 1 − 1 − 1 1 2.665 10.917 3.392
14 8 1 − 1 1 1 − 1 3.057 11.829 2.491
5 9 − 1 − 1 1 − 1 − 1 2.747 9.473 3.043
9 10 − 1 − 1 − 1 1 − 1 3.607 9.462 3.478
3 11 − 1 1 − 1 − 1 − 1 2.139 8.667 2.748
2 12 1 − 1 − 1 − 1 − 1 3.116 13.167 3.082
7 13 − 1 1 1 − 1 1 2.118 9.499 2.213
13 14 − 1 − 1 1 1 1 2.606 10.833 2.696
10 15 1 − 1 − 1 1 1 3.469 10.917 3.579
16 16 1 1 1 1 1 2.635 11.058 3.016
17 17 − 2 0 0 0 0 1.911 7.878 2.193
18 18 2 0 0 0 0 2.959 11.483 2.725
19 19 0 − 2 0 0 0 3.398 12.625 4.144
20 20 0 2 0 0 0 2.795 10.708 2.599
21 21 0 0 − 2 0 0 2.823 11.631 2.843
22 22 0 0 2 0 0 1.952 10.638 2.409
23 23 0 0 0 − 2 0 2.415 9.917 2.353
24 24 0 0 0 2 0 3.397 10.542 2.597
25 25 0 0 0 0 − 2 3.114 8.749 2.542
26 26 0 0 0 0 2 2.699 11.75 2.712
32 27 0 0 0 0 0 2.448 10.601 2.197
31 28 0 0 0 0 0 2.324 11.208 2.297
28 29 0 0 0 0 0 2.365 10.583 2.167
29 30 0 0 0 0 0 2.739 10.998 2.333
30 31 0 0 0 0 0 2.531 10.333 2.438
27 32 0 0 0 0 0 2.752 10.458 2.157

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axial runs distance from the centre is termed as α. Moreover, form the start points. Thus, the 32 investigational stipulations
the α selection is very much needed for the computation have allowed the linear evaluation, quadratic as well as two-
model. To sustain the rotatability, α should be on the basis way interactive influences of process parameters as responses
of the amount of experimental simulations in the factorial to GTA welded joints. The range of each variable is limited
portion of the central composite design. to a lower value (− 2) and upper value (+ 2). Furthermore, the
actual and coded values are associated with Eq. (3), where Y2
(1) specifies the needed code value of Y parameter. Y specifies
1
𝛼 = [Count of factorial runs] 4
the constraints value from Ymin to Ymax, in which Ymin denotes
If the factorial is half factorial, then Eq. (2) is evaluated, the constraint’s lower limit and Ymax points the constraint’s
where c specifies the factors’ count. upper limit.
1
(2) Actual value − Means
2 = [2c−1 ] 4 Coded value = (3)
Half of range
The total constraints are coded as (0) that are correlated
with centre points. Further, the combination of all constraints [ ( )]
2Y − Ymax + Ymin
along its upper and lower values are coded as (+ 2) and (− 2). Y2 = (4)
The constraint combinations and 4 constraints of middle levels Ymax − Ymin

Table 5  Chemical composition of the base material

Chemical composition (% by weight)

Base material C Cr Mn Mo Ni V Si Cu P Al S Fe
15CDV6 steel 0.152 1.229 0.838 0.791 0.234 0.198 0.189 0.107 0.005 < 0.02 < 0.01 Balance

Fig. 1  Images on (a) Kemppi master TIG MLS 4000 welding machine with automatic torch travel setup (b) Photograph showing autogenous
GTAW welding of 15CDV6 plate (c) photograph of milled specimens

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subsequent to cleaning with acetone to eliminate the impu-

WEC TOS GAR TOG ARG X
rities of sample surface. Kemppi master TIG MLS 4000
welding machine was aided in this work with automatic
torch travel setup, which is shown in Fig. 1. Additionally,
Fig. 2  Solution encoding the image of the bead on plate trail and image of the milled
specimen was given in Figs. 2 and 3 respectively.
3.6 Conducting the experiments and recording
the responses
4 Grey wolf optimization model for optimal
parameter selection
As per the proposed analysis, a 15CDV6 plate of thickness
6.2 mm was subjected as a base material. The Atomic Emis-
4.1 Solution encoding
sion Spectroscopic (AES) simulation was done to expose the
BM’s chemical composition and this was obtained on the
The corresponding solution given to GWO algorithm is the
sample from as-received plate and the results were summa-
parameters including WEC , (TOS ) , (GAR ) , (TOG ) and (ARG ) ,
rized in Table 5. Before the process of welding, the received
which is collectively denoted as X  . The diagrammatic rep-
plate was dimensioned to 100 mm × 100 mm × 6.2 mm thick
resentation of solution given to GWO is shown in Fig. 2.
through Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) and buffing

Fig. 3  Predicted vs actual plot for (a) Bead width (b) DOP (c) HAZ width

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4.2 GWO Algorithm
GWO [27] is a heuristic algorithm that used to identify the
optimal welding constraints. This algorithm includes four
levels: first level is called alpha α that behaves as the leader
of the troop. The next level is beta 𝛽  , which helps α in deci-
sion making. The third is delta 𝛿 , also called subordinates.
The lowest level or final level is omega 𝜔 , defined as a
scapegoat in the group.
In this algorithm, 𝛼 is determined as the fittest solution
and the next two positions (second and third positions) goes
for 𝛽 and 𝛿 respectively. Thus, the hunting is directed by𝛼 ,
𝛽 and 𝛿 . The pseudo code of GWO algorithm is shown as
Algorithm 1.
ALGORITHM 1: GWO BASED WEIGHT OPTIMIZATION
Input: X
Output: X ∗
Initialize PL Population size, parameter a , T and W , MAX it
Set t := 0 ( initialization of counter)
for (i = 1 : i ≤ a ) do
Generate an arbitrary initial population X i (t )
Evaluate the fitness function FI ( X i )
End for
Assign the first, second and third best
solutions X (α ) , X (β ) , X (γ ) respectively
repeat
for (i = 1 : i ≤ PL ) do
Updating the search agent in the population
Decrease the parameter a from 2 to 0
Update T and W
Fitness function evaluation of all search agent FI ( X i )
End for
Vectors update, X (α ) , X (β ) and X (γ )
set t = t + 1
until (t < MAX it )
Return the best solution X (α )
The mathematical model for encircling is defined in
Eqs. (5) and (6), wheret denotes the current iteration, T and
W are coefficient vectors, X(PL) refers to the position vector.
The vectorsT and W are evK � = |W ⋅ X(PL) (t) − X(t)|
X(t + 1) = X(PL) (t) − T × K �
calculated as given in Eqs. (7) and (8), where rv1 and rv2
are the random vector in [0, 1].
T = 2a ⋅ rv1 − a
W = 2.rv2 (8)
The mathematical model of wolves’ hunting behavior is
as follows: the initial three best solutions are stored and the
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positions get updated on the basis of best search agent posi-
tion, which is defined in Eqs. (9), (10) and (11).
K � 𝛼 = |W1 ⋅ X(𝛼) − X|
K � 𝛽 = |W2 ⋅ X(𝛽) − X| (9)
K �
= |W3 ⋅ X(𝛿) − X|
𝛿
( )
X1 = X(𝛼) − T1 ⋅ K � 𝛼
( )
X2 = X(𝛽) − T2 ⋅ K � 𝛽 (10)
( )
X3 = X(𝛿) − T3 ⋅ K � 𝛿
X1 + X2 + X3
X ∗ (t + 1) = (11)
3
The vector T is an arbitrary value in interval [−2a, 2a] ,
where the a component is diminished from 2 to 0 on the
iteration process. Thus, Eq. (11) gives the updated solution,
which is optimal parameter result.
5 Neural model for parameter prediction
5.1 Predicted vs actual plots
The predicted vs actual plot for all the parameters like bead
width, DOP as well as HAZ width is illustrated in Fig. 3.
Figure 3a, depicts the actual points are close to the fitted
line. Figure 3b, shows the actual points are scattered roughly
to the fitted line. Figure 3c, demonstrates the actual points
are correlated to the fitted line.
5.2 Contour plot for all parameters
The contour plots and three dimensional (3D) surface
graphs of Torch angle vs Torch Speed for all the param-
eters are illustrated in Fig. 4. Figure 4a illustrates the band
with dependency with respect to torch speed and torch
angle. Here, the torch speed increases with increase in torch
angle. Figure 4b depicts the depth of penetration correlated
(5) between torch speed and torch angle. Here, the torch speed
decreases with increase in torch angle. Figure 4c, shows the
(6) contour plots for HAZ width in terms of torch speed and
torch angle. It have been demonstrated that HAZ width is
high at torch angle and medium at torch speed.
(7) 5.3 Residual vs predicted plot for all parameters
The graphical representation of residual vs predicted plot for
the Bead width, DOP, and HAZ width is illustrated in Fig. 5.
Figure 5a demonstrates that predicted points are correlated
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Fig. 4  Countour plot for (a) Bead width (b) DOP (c) HAZ width
to the residuals. Figure 5b represents predicted points are
scattered along the residuals and the Fig. 5c illustrates that
the predicted points are closed along with the residuals.
5.4 Surface plot for all parameters
Figure 6 represents the 3D response surfaces for plots for
the Bead width, DOP and HAZ width. It could be seen from
Fig. 6a that the bead with increased with the increasing of
torch angle and torch speed. Figure 6b, shows the depth of
penetration increased with increasing of torch speed and
decreasing of torch angle. Figure 6c, illustrates that HAZ
width decreases with decreasing of torch angle and with the
increasing of torch speed.
5.5 Performance analysis
Table 6 gives the analytical outcome of the proposed algo-
rithm, GWO over other conventional algorithms like GA,
ABC, PSO, and FF, respectively. A number of parameters
like WEC , (TOS ) , (GAR ) , (TOG ) , (ARG ) , DOP, BW, and HAZ-
width are analyzed.
5.6 Statistical report
As the optimization algorithms are stochastic in nature, it
cannot predict the accurate result. Thus, it is executed five
times, and best, worst, mean, median and standard devia-
tion are determined. The proposed method was compared
to other conventional methods like GA, ABC, PSO, and FF,
respectively in terms of the total cost function. Table 7 has
shown that the best case of GWO is 18.92% better from
methods like FF, PSO, and GA, respectively. Then, GWO
is 13.66% superior to ABC model. Similarly, the worst case
of GWO is 36.36, 61.37, and 42.64% better from FF, PSO
and GA, respectively, which has proven the enhancement of
implemented model with minimum cost function by optimiz-
ing the accurate parameter constraints for effective welding.
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Fig. 5  Residual vs Predicted plot for a Bead width (b) DOP (c) HAZ width
6 Conclusion
An improved TIG welding technique has been presented in
this paper by GWO optimization algorithm that has exploited
great welding properties, and this has assured the impact of
TIG welding process parameters on the weld bead profile of
15CDV6 HSLA steel. The optimal welding constraints have
13
Evolutionary Intelligence
been identified with respect to used multi-objective opti-
mization GWO, which raises the DOP value and minimize
BW and HAZ width. Moreover, DOP, BW and HAZ width,
are the responses taken. The variables like WEC , TOS , GAR ,
TOG and ARGwere accounted for the respective investigation
model. The simulations were achieved on the deviation in
terms of responses like DOP, BW and HAZ widths. The
contour plots, surface plots, and process parameters were
further. The executed scheme has also put on analyses in
terms of, predicted vs actual plot, residual vs predicted plot
and surface plot, and the results were attained. The obtained
results have proven its extreme level of benefits in some of
the strategies that exploiting 15CDV6 steel in rocket-motor
hardware program, industries, pressure vessels fabrication
and so on.
Evolutionary Intelligence

Fig. 6  Surface plot for (a) Bead width (b) DOP (c) HAZ width

Table 6  Performance analysis Algorithms

( )
DOP BW HAZ-width
WEC (TOS ) (GAR ) (TOG ) (ARG )
of proposed model over other
conventional methods GA 198.47 78.99 10.28 89.929 1.691 3.2618 9.7853 2.4999
ABC 198.47 78.99 10.28 89.929 1.691 3.2618 9.7853 2.4999
PSO 198.47 78.99 10.28 89.929 1.691 3.2618 9.7853 2.4999
FF 198.47 78.99 10.28 89.929 1.691 3.2618 9.7853 2.4999
GWO 198.47 78.99 10.28 108.03 1.691 3.7254 9.5831 2.5362

Table 7  Statistical report of proposed and conventional algorithms References

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